The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has denied reports suggesting plans to impose a three-year ban on wrestler Antim Panghal following a controversy at the Paris Olympics. The allegations centered around Panghal’s sister being detained for unauthorized entry into the Olympics village.
Despite these denials, the IOA has indicated that Panghal will face disciplinary action for the incident. Reports on August 8 had initially suggested that Panghal could be banned for three years due to the situation. The IOA has yet to confirm the exact nature of the punishment but has made it clear that disciplinary measures are being considered.
Earlier, sources had said that Antim Panghal is set to face a three-year ban by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after a serious disciplinary breach during the ongoing Olympics.
Antim Panghal, who was eliminated from the women’s 53kg category after losing her opening bout on Wednesday, allegedly attempted to facilitate her sister’s unauthorized entry into the athletes’ village using her accreditation card.
A source on Thursday had said the IOA has decided to impose the ban on Antim Panghal, and that a formal announcement will be made once she returns to India. “The decision will be formally announced after she reaches India,” the source confirmed. However, the claims have been refuted.
The incident came to light after French authorities alerted the IOA to the breach. In response, the Indian Olympic Association promptly decided to send Antim Panghal and her support staff back home.
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According to reports, Panghal’s sister was caught impersonating the wrestler and was subsequently taken to a police station to record her statement. The incident has not only marred Panghal’s Olympic experience but also cast a shadow over the Indian contingent’s reputation at the global event.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to fly wrestler Antim Panghal and her support staff back to India following a disciplinary breach reported by French authorities. The exact nature of the breach has not been detailed, but the situation has been described as serious, with the possibility of deportation looming.
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Antim’s Olympic journey also faced a significant setback as her hopes of competing for a bronze medal through the repechage rounds were dashed. This occurred after her opponent, Zeynep Yetgil, lost in the quarterfinals to Germany’s Annika Wendle. Antim, who had previously secured an Olympic quota in the weight category that was formerly held by Vinesh Phogat, was eliminated in the first round, losing the match in just 101 seconds.
This incident has added to the challenges faced by Indian wrestling, following the recent controversy involving Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics.
