Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties — applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours.
Each of the parties was accorded an opportunity to file its detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral arguments. It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter.
IOA President Dr PT Usha thanked Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for assisting the IOA present its arguments during the hearing.
“IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter. We are proud of her countless achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her stellar career,” Dr Usha said.
Official confirmation is still awaited.
Soon after Sehrawat's win, PM Modi tweeted, "More pride thanks to our wrestlers! Congratulations to Aman Sehrawat for winning the Bronze Medal in the Men's Freestyle 57 kg at the Paris Olympics. His dedication and perseverance are clearly evident. The entire nation celebrates this remarkable feat."
Other senior leaders who congratulated Sehrawat included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge who in a post on X said, "Many Congratulations, Aman Sehrawat, on winning the Bronze medal in Men's Freestyle 57 kg wrestling event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your triumph is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and sporting prowess. Wishing you continued success and glory in your future endeavours!"
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi too congratulated the grappler for his win. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, "Hearty congratulations to Aman Sehrawat on winning the bronze medal in freestyle wrestling. Very happy to see India winning its sixth medal at the Paris Olympics."
He added, "The entire country is proud of the performance of our Olympic team."
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday also congratulated wrestler Aman Sehrawat for winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. "Wrestler Aman Sehrawat won the bronze medal by performing brilliantly in the Paris Olympics 2024. Many congratulations and best wishes to you for this achievement. This is a proud moment for all of us," Saini said.
Celebrations erupted at the grappler's native village, Birohar, in Haryana's Jhajjar district.
Sudhir Sehrawat, Aman's uncle, said he used to practise for 10-12 hours every day and the medal was the result of the hard work.
"He brought a medal for the country. He will certainly bring a gold medal in the next Olympics," he said.
The hearing in the Vinesh Phogat case was conducted over two rounds. Phogat's claim to the silver medal in the 50kg wrestling category was defended by both her Indian and French lawyers. Senior advocate Harish Salve is reported to have spoken for over an hour laying out the legitimate reasons for her claim.
An operational verdict is expected from the Sole Arbitrator soon. "Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in," the IOA said in a statement.
Germany's Yemisi Ogunleye won the gold medal in the Olympic women's shot put on Friday.
New Zealand's Maddison-Lee Wesche took silver and China's Song Jiayuan claimed bronze.