The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has once again postponed its decision regarding Vinesh Phogat's appeal, marking the third delay in the case. Initially set for August 13, the verdict is now expected to be announced on Friday, August 16, by 9:30 pm IST. Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, had challenged her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, seeking to be awarded a joint silver medal in the women's 50kg category. The delay comes as CAS, Phogat, and the Indian Olympic Association continue to contest the decisions made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling.

In a statement on Tuesday, CAS cited Article 18 of its Arbitration Rules for the Olympic Games as the basis for the extension. According to this article, the panel is required to deliver a decision within 24 hours during the Olympic Games unless exceptional circumstances warrant an extension.

What Is Article 18?

Article 18 of the CAS Arbitration Rules stipulates that during the Olympic Games, the panel must deliver a decision within 24 hours of the hearing or conclusion of evidentiary proceedings. However, this time frame can be extended by the CAS President or Deputy President under exceptional circumstances. Outside the Olympic Games, decisions must be delivered within a reasonable time frame.

Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal

Phogat's appeal initially sought to overturn the IOC's disqualification and allow her to undergo another weigh-in so she could compete in the final. However, due to time constraints, the CAS ad-hoc bench was unable to hear the case before the final. Phogat later amended her appeal, requesting that her disqualification be reversed and that she be awarded a joint silver medal. United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic expressed sympathy for Phogat's situation but maintained that the rules had been followed correctly.

Background on the Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg gold medal match after failing the weigh-in on the day of the final, missing the mark by 100 grams. Despite clearing the initial weigh-in and winning three matches, including a notable victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki, Phogat was disqualified. This allowed Cuba’s Guzman Uzneylys, who had lost to Phogat in the semifinals, to advance to the gold medal bout against the USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

The disqualification led to widespread debate, with many, including American wrestling champion Jordan Burroughs, calling for changes to weigh-in rules and advocating for a 1kg weight allowance on the second day of competition. He also suggested that both semifinalists should be awarded medals instead of relying on the repechage system.

Reactions and Ongoing Controversy

As the CAS verdict remains pending, Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha defended Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala amidst scrutiny over Phogat's weigh-in failure. Usha emphasized that it was the responsibility of the athlete and her coaching team to meet the weight requirements. The delay in CAS's decision has only intensified the debate around fairness and the rules governing weigh-ins at the Olympic Games.