New Delhi

Former India Olympian Abhinav Bindra says that 'rules are very clear' on whether Vinesh Phogat should be awarded with a joint silver medal or not. The comments came as Phogat awaits the decision of Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on her disqualification from 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

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Phogat was disqualified after being found overweight by 100 grams on the morning of the final bout on August 7.

"It's an incredibly tough situation. Frankly, I don't even know what to say. I mean the rules are very clear -- where you draw a line. Sport is always governed by the rules. If you don't govern sport by rules, there is no sport," Abhinav Bindra said while talking to news outlet India Today on the wrestler's appeal.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Disqualification: 'Answer is no,' IOC president on chances of CAS awarding medal to wrestler

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"But, of course, I fully empathise with Vinesh. It's an incredibly difficult time for her. Everybody's heart is broken. We are all there for her. I had the opportunity to meet her as well."

"I really don't know where this would end. I know the decision, now, has been postponed for a couple of days. So, I think one just has to be patient. I am not privy to the arguments that have been made, I am no legal expert. So patience is the key," Bindra added.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has also opined that there's no provision for awarding two silver medals in one category while speaking about Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. 

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Bach, however, agreed that each case should be examined on an individual basis and said: "There are the regulations of the International Federation that have to be followed, and the decision was made by the International Federation, United World Wrestling."

The CAS is expected to deliver its verdict on Vinesh Phogat's appeal on August 13