Olympics due to a disciplinary breach. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the news in an official statement released on Wednesday.
Panghal’s deportation adds to a series of unfortunate events for India in women’s wrestling. Just hours prior, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final for being 100 grams overweight, costing India a potential medal.
The IOA’s statement revealed that Panghal and her support team were sent back after French authorities reported a disciplinary issue. Sources indicate that instead of going to the Games Village, Panghal visited a hotel where her coach, Bhagat Singh, and sparring partner, Vikas, were staying. Her sister, tasked with retrieving Panghal’s belongings from the Games Village, was caught impersonating her and subsequently taken to a police station for questioning.
Further controversy arose when Panghal’s support staff allegedly misbehaved with a cab driver in Paris. Reports from Indian media suggested that coaches Bhagat Singh and Vikas returned to the hotel inebriated and refused to pay the driver, prompting police involvement.
An IOA official expressed frustration over the incidents, stating, “We have left to fight fire.” However, Vikas denied the allegations, claiming, “Who told you this? Antim and her sister are sitting right before me.”
