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Xtra Time Web Desk: In an unprecedented turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat has been granted a glimmer of hope in her fight against a heartbreaking disqualification. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has accepted her plea against her Olympic disqualification, scheduling a critical hearing for Friday, August 9, at 10 am local time in Paris (1:30 pm IST).

Vinesh Phogat, who had fought her way to the final of the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category, saw her Olympic dreams shattered when she was disqualified for being a mere 100 grams over the weight limit during the final’s weigh-in. This disqualification not only cost her the chance to compete for an Olympic medal but also drove her to announce her retirement from the sport in a heartfelt and anguished social media post.

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The gravity of the situation pushed Vinesh to lodge an urgent appeal with the CAS, hoping to overturn the disqualification that has left her and her fans devastated. At 3 pm Paris time on Thursday, August 8, the CAS accepted her plea, bringing a ray of hope to the Indian camp. The CAS has now directed Vinesh to appoint legal representation, with the Indian contingent scrambling to bring renowned lawyer Harish Salve on board for the high-stakes hearing.

The Government of India has reportedly stepped in, urging Salve to represent Vinesh in this crucial battle. The Indian side has been granted until 6 pm Paris time (9:30 pm IST) to appoint their lawyer and communicate the decision to CAS. The hearing will then proceed as scheduled on Friday morning.

This extraordinary sequence of events highlights the intensity of the situation, as the Indian contingent, alongside Vinesh Phogat, fights not just for a medal but for the honor and dignity of an athlete who has given her all to the sport. As the hearing looms, the entire nation holds its breath, hoping that justice will prevail and that Vinesh’s Olympic journey will not end in despair.

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This case is set to be a landmark in Olympic history, with the entire sporting world watching as Vinesh Phogat makes a last-ditch effort to reclaim her place on the Olympic mat. The outcome of the CAS hearing could determine not just the fate of one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, but also set a precedent for athletes facing similar challenges in the future.

The stakes could not be higher, and all eyes will be on Paris tomorrow as Vinesh Phogat’s fate hangs in the balance. Will she be given a second chance to chase her Olympic dream, or will this be the final chapter in her storied career? The world will soon find out.