Vinesh Phogat disqualification: Wrestler likely to learn fate soon as lawyers could exploit THIS key loophole

India’s Vinesh Phogat will likely learn the fate of her Paris Olympics disqualification in the women’s 50kg freestyle category on Tuesday (Aug 13). Vinesh, having been disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams before her gold medal match filed a petition at the Court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS) last Thursday to get a joint silver medal. While the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules clearly discharge the Indian wrestler of an Olympic medal, there is a loophole that could yet see Vinesh being awarded a silver medal.

Vinesh to get a silver medal?

Having postponed the hearing on the case, the CAS is likely to deliver its verdict on Tuesday with a good chance that the Indian wrestler could have a medal in her hand. It is reported that UWW breached a rule in the law books which could help boost Vinesh’s case. According to the rules, wrestlers having lost in the initial rounds can win a bronze medal if their conqueror reaches the Olympic gold medal match.

Had Vinesh competed in the gold medal match, Yui Susaki of Japan would have been eligible for the repechage round. Since Vinesh was disqualified, it should have been Yusneylys Guzman’s (promoted to the gold medal match after Vinesh’s disqualification) opponents who should have competed in the repechage round. However, it was Susaki who competed in the repechage round which could come as a big rule book breach by the UWW.

On the same grounds, Vinesh could be handed a silver medal if a correct argument is raised in front of the judges of the CAS.

When is the hearing?

After the hearing was postponed on Saturday, the hearing will take place on Tuesday at the CAS with Harsih Salve defending the Indian wrestler. Joelle Monlouis, Estelle Ivanova, Habbine Estelle Kim and Charles Amson are the lawyers who represented Vinesh in the hearing earlier. The verdict is likely to be out by Tuesday evening as the hearing starts at 9:30 PM.