'We will welcome her like a gold medalist': Mahavir Phogat responds to CAS dismissal of Vinesh's appeal

Charkhi Dadri (Haryana), August 15: Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) dismissal of Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a silver medal in the women’s 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024, her uncle, Mahavir Phogat, has vowed to welcome her back to India with the same honour as a gold medalist. Vinesh is expected to return to India on August 17.

CAS confirmed on Wednesday that Vinesh Phogat's application, filed on August 7, had been dismissed. Mahavir Phogat, speaking to ANI, expressed disappointment but affirmed their plans to celebrate Vinesh's return. “Although we hoped for a favourable verdict, there is no further recourse after the CAS decision. When Vinesh returns on August 17, we will welcome her as if she had won the gold medal. We will encourage her to focus on the 2028 Olympics and also support Sangeeta Phogat and Ritu Phogat in their preparations,” Mahavir stated.

Initially, the verdict was expected on August 13 but was delayed until August 16 before being announced on Wednesday. Vinesh Phogat had been disqualified from the women’s 50kg final on August 7 after exceeding the weight limit by 100 gram during the weigh-in. She had been set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal.

Following the disqualification, Vinesh made a poignant announcement on August 8, expressing her intent to retire from wrestling. “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness,” she wrote in her emotional post.

Despite the setback, Hildebrandt went on to secure the gold medal in women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling, defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.