The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has refuted media reports stating that a three-year ban has been imposed on India grappler Antim Panghal for indiscipline during the Paris Olympic Games. Earlier, news agency PTI citing a source in Indian contingent reported that the wrestler will be banned for three years by the IOA.
Meanwhile, Panghal’s hopes of an Olympic glory were dashed on Wednesday after she endured a 0-10 loss against Turkey’s Yetgil Zeynep, in a bout that lasted for 101 seconds. The outcome saw the grappler making a first round exit from the women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling.
While the outcome on the mat was disappointing, Antim’s problems didn’t stop as reports emerged of her sister Nisha using her accreditation to enter the Olympic Village, following which she was detained by the French police.
It was also learnt that Antim’s coaches Bhagat Singh and Vikas got into an argument with a local cab driver, as the duo were reported to be travelling in an inebriated state and refused to pay the fare. The problems escalated to such an extent that the drive called the police.
Following the fiasco, it emerged that Antim and her entourage would be deported from Paris. The IOA also released a statement in this regard, which read: “The Indian Olympic Association has decided to fly wrestler Antim and her support staff back after a disciplinary breach was brought to IOA’s notice by the French authorities.”
Earlier in the day, the grappler released a video, in an attempt to clear the air on the controversy and appealed people to stop spreading “misinformation.”
She confirmed that her sister had visited the Games Village to collect her belongings as she was unwell. On being detained by the French police, the grappler informed that there was no detention involved and her sister had visited the police station to verify the accreditation card.
Meanwhile, addressing the fiasco involving her coaches, Antim denied any wrongdoing by them, and said the problem was caused due to a language barrier.
(With ANI Inputs)
