New Delhi: The Vinesh Phogat case is turning out to be an ‘epic saga’ with recurrent procrastination of the authorities to deliver the final verdict. Phogat’s long crusade against the unjust system is stretching far too long than anyone would have expected. According to the latest reports, the Court of Arbitration for Sports has asked for more time to deliver impartial judgments.
Vinesh Phogat was the most searched athlete WORLDWIDE on Google search last week. 🤯🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2BlHFrhpDJ
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 13, 2024
If Vinesh manages to win the case, which according to inside reports is highly likely, the Indian grappler is expected to receive the silver medal alongside Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. Currently, the only problem for Vinesh is to tame the wagging tail of the UWW, (the highest board for governing wrestling) as they look to become a major roadblock for Vinesh’s quest for a silver.
Can the verdict tilt in Phogat’s favour?
Amidst this tug of war, some positive news has trickled in which can make every Indian happy. According to popular sports media- Revsportz, there is a glaring infringement of the UWW rules which seems to have set moral yardsticks for the Indian wrestlers.
According to the rules, the person who loses to the finalists is slotted in the repechage round and fights for the bronze medal. According to that rule, Susaki (defeated by Vinesh Phogat) makes the cut for the repechage round. However, here comes the twist, according to revealing facts by sports journalist Boria Majumdar– How can Susaki compete in the repechage round when Phogat is not even the finalist?
We’ve all felt that frustration when something important gets delayed, and today, many of us are feeling that as we wait for Vinesh Phogat’s CAS judgment. But here’s a thought—this is kind of like what athletes go through every four years, waiting for another shot at Olympic…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 13, 2024
Susaki was awarded the bronze medal (10-0 Technical superiority) after she defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine. This important fact can turn the entire hearing in favour of the Indians. The only thing that remains is when will the defence counsel exploit this loophole.
When will the final verdict of CAS will come out?
Earlier it was believed that the final verdict on the entire case would come out by tonight (9:30 PM IST). However, now the CAS has decided to delay the proceeding to the 16th of August.