Indian wrestler Antim Panghal has been deported from the Paris Olympics 2024 along with her staff due to a disciplinary breach.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the news in an official statement released on Wednesday.
Panghal’s deportation follows a series of unfortunate events for India in women’s wrestling.
Just hours earlier, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final for being overweight by 100 grams, losing a potential medal for India.
The IOA’s statement revealed that Panghal and her support staff were sent back after French authorities reported a disciplinary issue.
According to sources, instead of going to the Games Village, Panghal went to a hotel where her coach Bhagat Singh and sparring partner Vikas were staying.
Her sister, who was asked to retrieve Panghal’s belongings from the Games Village, was caught impersonating her and taken to a police station for questioning.
Further controversy ensued when Panghal’s support staff allegedly misbehaved with a cab driver in Paris.
Reports from Indian media indicated that coaches Bhagat Singh and Vikas travelled back to the hotel in a drunken state and refused to pay the driver, leading to police involvement.
An IOA official expressed frustration over the incidents, stating, “We have left to fight fire.”
However, Vikas denied the allegations, saying, “Who told you this? Antim and her sister are sitting right before me.”
