Who Is Harish Salve? The Lawyer Defending Vinesh Phogat In Olympics Disqualification Case

In a high-stakes legal battle that has captured the attention of millions in India, prominent lawyer Harish Salve is set to represent wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal against disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The case, brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), centers on Phogat’s disqualification from the 50-kg wrestling category just hours before the final due to a weight-related issue.

Phogat, a top contender for gold, saw her Olympic dreams dashed unexpectedly. In response, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed to CAS, arguing that Phogat should be awarded a joint silver medal for her outstanding performance throughout the event.

The CAS, an international body established in 1984 to resolve sports-related disputes, will hear the case, with hopes of an entire nation resting on Salve’s expertise. A former Solicitor General of India and King’s Counsel, Salve has a formidable reputation, having successfully argued high-profile cases both domestically and internationally.

Salve’s notable cases include the defense of Kulbhushan Jadhav at the International Court of Justice, where he secured a stay on Jadhav’s execution in Pakistan, and his representation of Vodafone in a landmark tax dispute in 2012. He also represented Ratan Tata in a legal battle against Cyrus Mistry and appeared for the Central Bureau of Investigation in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

Vinesh Phogat, who has been a significant figure in Indian wrestling, announced her retirement following her disqualification. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Phogat expressed her sorrow 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.”

The outcome of the appeal remains uncertain, but the case has sparked widespread discussion about fairness in sports and the intense pressures faced by athletes on the world stage.