Paris: In a significant setback for India’s wrestling contingent at the ongoing Summer Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided to send wrestler Antim Panghal and her support staff back home due to a disciplinary breach. This decision came after French authorities reported that Antim had given her Olympic Village accreditation to her sister.
“The Indian Olympic Association has decided to fly wrestler Antim Panghal and her support staff back after a disciplinary breach was brought to the IOA’s notice by the French authorities,” the IOA announced in a statement. The breach involved Antim’s sister using her accreditation to enter the Olympic Village, a violation of the strict protocols in place.
Earlier, Antim Panghal competed in the women’s 53 kg freestyle round of 16 but was defeated by Turkey’s Zeynep Yetgil. Yetgil, a U23 European championship bronze medallist, won the match on technical superiority, according to Olympics.com.
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics has seen the country securing three bronze medals, all in shooting events. However, these recent setbacks in wrestling have been a blow to the nation’s medal hopes.
As the games continue, the focus will remain on how the Indian contingent manages these challenges and strives for further successes in the remaining events.