Controversy erupted on Wednesday surrounding Indian wrestler Antim Panghal following an incident involving her sister at the Paris Olympics. Reports initially suggested that Panghal might face a three-year ban for a disciplinary breach after her sister was caught using her accreditation inside the Olympic Village. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has since denied these claims.
According to the IOA, Panghal’s sister was taken by police for using her accreditation to enter the Olympic Village and collect Panghal’s belongings. The incident led to speculation about a potential ban and deportation of Panghal and her entourage from Paris. However, the IOA clarified that no such ban has been imposed.
Panghal released a statement addressing the situation, explaining that she had returned to a hotel where her sister was staying due to feeling unwell. Her sister’s entry into the Olympic Village was to retrieve the wrestler’s personal items. The verification process was completed, and her sister was allowed to leave without further issues.
Additionally, Panghal responded to reports of a scuffle involving her coaches and a cab driver, attributing the misunderstanding to a lack of familiarity with the local language. She also communicated to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to book her return flight immediately after her defeat in the women’s freestyle 53kg round of 16.
The controversy surrounding Panghal comes amidst another blow to the Indian wrestling team: Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from her gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category. Phogat was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams during the weigh-in, further adding to the turmoil faced by the Indian wrestling contingent at the Olympics.