IOA refutes reports of Antim Panghal facing 3-year ban
In a recent development, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has denied claims that Indian wrestler Antim Panghal is set to receive a three-year ban for alleged misconduct at the Olympic Games.
The news initially surfaced through reports by PTI and stirred considerable controversy and confusion.
According to the PTI report, Panghal is reportedly facing a three-year ban imposed by the IOA due to the incident.
The source cited in the report mentioned:
"The decision will be formally announced after she reaches India."
This news has gained traction, sparking discussions and concerns about the consequences for Panghal's career and the implications for the Indian Olympic team's reputation as well.
In response to the swirling rumors, the Indian Olympic Association has now issued a strong denial. The IOA has refuted the reports of a ban, clarifying that no formal decision has been made. In a statement, the IOA urged media personnel to verify such claims with the IOA leadership before publishing them.
The statement on X (formerly Twitter) read:
"IOA refutes reports that a ban has been imposed on wrestler Antim. It requests media persons to please check with the IOA leadership before posting such reports."
Allegations of misconduct on Antim Panghal
Antim Panghal, who was competing in the Women's 53kg freestyle wrestling category at the Olympics, faced an early exit after losing her opening bout. Reports soon emerged that Panghal had attempted to use her accreditation card to sneak her sister into the athletes' village.
This action, if true, was said to have caused embarrassment to the Indian Olympic contingent and led to her being sent back, along with her support staff, after the disciplinary breach was reported by French authorities.
The IOA decided to return wrestler Antim Panghal and her support team to India due to the disciplinary issue that arose during the ongoing Paris Olympics. This action came after French authorities complained about Antim using her Olympic Village accreditation to allow her sister entry.
"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," the IOA stated.