In a recent revelation, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha of failing to provide genuine support during her challenging times at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Phogat’s allegations have sparked significant controversy, shedding light on the internal politics within the Indian sports administration.
Vinesh Phogat’s Struggles at the Paris Olympics
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, faced a major setback at the Paris 2024 Olympics when she was disqualified from competing in the 53 kg freestyle wrestling final due to a failed weigh-in. This disqualification was a severe blow to her career, and she found herself in a vulnerable position, both physically and emotionally.
Following her disqualification, Phogat fell ill and was admitted to a polyclinic in the Olympic Village. It was during this difficult period that PT Usha, a legendary athlete and now IOA president, visited her. However, what transpired during this visit has become a point of contention.
Accusations Against PT Usha
Phogat has accused PT Usha of exploiting her situation for personal gain. In an interview with a local media house, Phogat revealed that a photo was taken of her with PT Usha during the hospital visit without her consent. This photo was later shared on social media, portraying Usha as a supportive figure standing by Phogat during her tough times. However, Phogat claims that this gesture was nothing more than political posturing.
“PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. A photo was clicked without informing me. Then it was posted on social media to show she was standing by me. But I don’t know what support I received,” Phogat stated. She further expressed her frustration, saying, “It felt like a betrayal. You are lying on a hospital bed during one of the worst phases of your life, and without even telling you, a photo is taken and posted online saying they are standing by you. That’s not support, that’s mere posturing.”
Phogat’s allegations have brought to the forefront the issue of politics within Indian sports administration. She suggested that political maneuvering played a role in her disqualification and subsequent treatment. “As you said in politics, things that happen in closed doors are different from what happens in front of it…this politics happened here as well…and that’s why I was heartbroken,” Phogat remarked.
Phogat’s disqualification and the events that followed have left her questioning her future in wrestling. “People keep telling me not to leave wrestling. But for what? There is politics everywhere,” she lamented.
BIG EXPOSE BY VINESH PHOGAT
When Vinesh Phogat was in the hospital after disqualification, PT Usha gone there just to click a picture with her.
PT Usha clicked a picture of Vinesh without her permission to post it on Social Media and left from there without saying anything. pic.twitter.com/53xQVwDMvu
— Newton (@newt0nlaws) September 10, 2024
Vinesh Phogat’s Political Journey
Adding another layer to the controversy, Vinesh Phogat has recently entered politics by joining the Congress party. This move has not been without its challenges, as it has created tensions within her family. Her cousin, Babita Phogat, who is also a wrestler and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized Vinesh’s political choices, blaming senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda for creating a divide within the family.
“Bhupinder Hooda succeeded in creating a rift in our family. People will teach him a lesson. The Congress has always divided families,” Babita Phogat said, adding that Vinesh should have heeded the advice of her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a renowned figure in Indian wrestling.
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