Renowned Indian lawyer Harish Salve will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing scheduled for today. The hearing concerns the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics, and Salve’s involvement underscores the legal significance of the case.
Harish Salve, a former Solicitor General of India and esteemed King’s Counsel, has been confirmed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to advocate on behalf of Phogat. The ad hoc hearing at CAS is set to commence at 9:00 AM Paris time (12:30 PM IST). This session will address the legal and procedural issues surrounding Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympic final. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has established an ad hoc division in Paris, led by President Michael Lenard from the United States, to handle urgent cases during the Olympics.
In a poignant development, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling following her disqualification. On X, Phogat shared her feelings of defeat and gratitude, stating, “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.” This announcement has added emotional depth to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has urged Phogat to reconsider her retirement decision. Singh expressed concern that Phogat’s announcement seemed hasty and suggested that she should consult with her family, the Federation, and other sports officials upon her return to India. He emphasized Phogat’s significant contributions to the sport and indicated that her decision might have been made in the heat of the moment.
Harish Salve’s representation of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics. As a distinguished lawyer with a proven track record, Salve's involvement brings a high level of legal expertise to the case. Phogat's emotional retirement announcement has intensified the stakes, adding personal and professional dimensions to the legal proceedings. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for Phogat's career and the broader wrestling community. As the CAS session unfolds, all eyes will be on how the legal arguments are presented and the potential resolution that may follow.