Indian Wrestler Antim Panghal Deportation Case: Things are getting from bad to worse for India in Women's Wrestling, as the past 24 hours have been nothing short of dreadful. The time period has seen India lose an assured silver or gold medal, as Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final for being overweight by 100 grams.
The incident of Vinesh Phogat was not enough to upset the Indian fans, as Antim Panghal gave another reason for disappointment. After losing her opening bout by receiving a thrashing from the Turkish wrestler, the Indian wrestler has now been deported back to India alongside her staff on the grounds of disciplinary breach.
"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," read IOA's official statement on the incident.
As reported by PTI, an undisclosed source have informed them of the incident and had the following to report:
"Instead of heading to the Games Village, she reached the hotel where her coach Bhagat Singh and sparring partner Vikas, who is actually her coach, were staying. Antim asked her sister to go to the Games Village and come back with her belongings. Her sister was caught for impersonation and was taken to a police station to record her statement."
Antim Panghal's Staff Allegedly Misbehaves With Cab Driver, Refuse To Pay Him
Amidst a series of controversies, the sporting staff of Antim Panghal — Bhagat Singh and Vikas, left no stones unturned, with their allegedly unacceptable antics in the city of Paris. As reported by PTI, citing sources, the coaches had travelled back in an "inebriated state" and refused to pay the driver upon reaching the hotel.
Later on, the following happened, as reported by PTI:
"If that was not enough, Antim's personal support staff -- Vikas and Bhagat -- travelled in an inebriated state in a taxi and refused to pay the driver, who then called police."
"We have left to fight fire," fumed an IOA official.
"When contacted, Vikas flatly refused their involvement in such an incident."
"Who told you this? Antim and her sister are sitting right before me," said Vikas.