Vinesh Phogat verdict: Wrestling India Vice-President ‘deeply saddened’ by delay

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Vice-President Jai Prakash expressed deep disappointment over.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to delay the verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Prakash emphasised in an exclusive interview with India Today, that the delay has ‘deeply saddened’ the entire body, particularly after what they see as a period of significant injustices.

Jai Prakash revealed that he, along with the rest of the WFI, were eagerly anticipating a positive announcement from CAS on August 13, which was initially announced as the date for the verdict by the Sports court. He also expressed hope that the eventual decision, now expected on August 16, will be a fair and just outcome for Phogat and the Indian wrestling community.

“We were all holding our breaths and waiting for the decision, and hoping that we would get some good news. I don’t know what is stopping the decision. We are deeply saddened, and we believe the result should have come sooner. We are all just hoping now that whenever the decision comes, it should be a good one,” Prakash said.

“The decision will be based upon the rules for sure. But people are also hoping for a fair verdict because we have been through a lot of injustice. We are all very saddened. It’s not a lot of time, and we hope to get a decision by August 16. That day will be one of happiness for us,” Prakash added.

This is the third time that the sports court has extended its time limit on the matter. The court is now expected to announce its verdict on August,16, Friday by 9:30 pm IST. Phogat had originally challenged her disqualification from the Paris Olympics and had appealed to be given a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg category.