New Delhi: Paris Olympic silver medalist Neeraj Chopra has expressed his optimistic opinions regarding the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. As the entire Indian contingent and 140 crore people back home await the final verdict of the Court of Arbitration for Sport to give its final verdict, Neeraj keeps his fingers crossed.
Neeraj further added that if the appeal goes against Vinesh Phogat, people should back their champion grappler and not ‘forget her’. Furthermore, the javelin thrower said that he is keeping his hopes high that the wrestler gets the medal which she deserves.
Here’s what Neeraj Chopra said:
#WATCH | Paris: On Sports Court CAS’s hearing of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Olympic Silver medallist, Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra says “All of us know that if she gets the medal it will be really good. She would have got the medal if such a situation did not arise. If we… pic.twitter.com/TtKWF11Yzk
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024
Stressing on the importance of the medal, Neeraj remarked “…Jab tak medal ni hota galey mein woh ek cheez reh hi jaati hai…” Neeraj was quoted right after the medal ceremony where he was felicitated for his heroics. Chopra earlier became the first Indian Olumpian in track-and-field events to win consecutive medals (Silver in Paris 24 and Gold in Tokyo 20).
Neeraj also remarked that even though people might say that ‘she is our champion’- these praises are seasonal bloom and gets written off from the minds of the public soon. However, for an athlete the medal is ultimate prize which can help cement/stamp his/her authority in the field of the sports. The medal will be a constant performance for all the people for her dedication and hard work and cannot be written off easily.
When will the CAS appeal on the matter come?
The CAS matter on Vinesh Phogat’s alleged disqualification is set to come out at 9:30 PM (IST) on Saturday (i.e. 10th August).