Vinesh Phogat’s Reluctance to Challenge CAS Verdict Revealed: Harish Salve Explains Her Decision
Key Insights into Vinesh Phogat’s Legal Battle and Her Transition to Politics
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler who faced disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics, has shown reluctance to appeal the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) verdict. This decision has been clarified by top lawyer Harish Salve, who represents Phogat in the matter. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, Phogat’s recent career moves, and the legal insights provided by Salve.
Phogat’s Disqualification and CAS Appeal
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympics after being found 100 grams overweight. This disqualification demoted her to the last position and cost her a potential gold medal. In response, Phogat appealed to the CAS, seeking a joint silver medal. Despite the efforts, CAS upheld the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision and rejected her appeal.
In August, the CAS confirmed the dismissal of Phogat’s application for a joint silver medal. The appeal, filed by French pro bono lawyers, did not succeed, leaving Phogat’s Olympic aspirations dashed.
Harish Salve’s Insight on Phogat’s Decision
Top Indian lawyer Harish Salve, who represented Phogat in this case, has shed light on her reluctance to pursue further legal action. In an interview with TimesNow, Salve revealed:
“Later on, we got everything and we fought hard. In fact, I even offered the lady that maybe we can challenge it in the Swiss court of appeal against the arbitration award, but I was told by the lawyers that my impression is she didn’t want to carry this any further.”
Salve’s comments suggest that Phogat was not inclined to challenge the CAS ruling beyond the initial appeal, despite opportunities to escalate the case to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
Issues with Legal Representation
Salve also highlighted issues related to the coordination between Phogat’s lawyers and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He noted:
“There was a complete lack of coordination, lack of cohesion for quite some time initially. The very good law firm engaged by the IOA was informed by some lawyers representing Phogat that ‘we will not share anything with you.’ It was very late when we received all the necessary information.”
These coordination issues further complicated the legal proceedings and contributed to the challenges faced in the appeal process.
Phogat’s Transition to Politics
Recently, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from professional wrestling and made a significant career shift by joining the Congress party. She has been nominated as the Congress candidate for the Julana seat in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. This move marks a new chapter in Phogat’s life, moving from the sports arena to the political field.
For more on Vinesh Phogat’s criticisms of PT Usha and unauthorized hospital photos, read the detailed report here.
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s decision not to challenge the CAS verdict further and her transition to a political career highlight significant changes in her life. Harish Salve’s insights into the legal aspects of her case provide clarity on why Phogat chose not to pursue the matter further. As Phogat steps into her new role in politics, her previous wrestling career and the challenges she faced serve as a testament to her resilience and adaptability.
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