In a major embarrassment for India, Antim Panghal and her entire entourage are being deported from Paris following a significant disciplinary breach. The incident occurred after Antim was eliminated from the Paris Olympics in the women’s 53kg wrestling event.
Why was Antim Panghal deported from the Olympic Village?
After her defeat in the opening bout, Antim returned to her hotel, where her designated coach Bhagat Singh and her actual coach Vikas were present. Antim asked her sister to collect her belongings from the Games Village. Her sister managed to enter but was caught by security while leaving.
Antim’s sister was taken to a local police station to record her statement. The 19-year-old junior world champion was also summoned for questioning.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided to fly Antim and her support staff back to India after the French authorities brought the disciplinary breach to their notice. Although the exact nature of the breach wasn’t disclosed, sources revealed that Antim’s sister was caught for impersonation while trying to retrieve Antim’s belongings from the Games Village.
The situation worsened when Antim’s personal support staff, Vikas and Bhagat, allegedly travelled in a cab while inebriated and refused to pay the fare, prompting the driver to call the police.
Breaking!🚨
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal's sister is detained by Paris Police while Antim's accreditation is revoked.
She is expected to be flown back after her sister illegally entered Olympic village using Antim's accreditation card.
What our IOC administrators are doing… pic.twitter.com/KaaIaxx0s9
— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) August 8, 2024
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and adhering to regulations during international sporting events. Antim’s premature exit from the Olympics due to this breach serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and their entourages.
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