The Paris Olympic organizing committee has taken strict action against Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, along with her support staff, for violating Olympic Village rules. Panghal, who had recently made her Olympic debut, has been sent back to India.
Why Was Antim Panghal Sent Home?
- Accreditation Card Misuse: Panghal is accused of giving her accreditation card to her sister. Her sister was found outside the Games Village with support staff members.
- Security Breach: Panghal’s sister tried to enter the Olympic Village using the stolen accreditation card but was caught by security. She was briefly detained at a police station.
Incidents Involving Support Staff
- Coach Incident: Antim’s coaches, Bhagat Singh and Vikas, were involved in a separate incident. They reportedly refused to pay a cab fare and behaved rudely towards the driver, leading to police involvement.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Response
- Action Taken: The Paris Olympic organizers requested that the IOA revoke Panghal’s accreditation and arrange her return to India. The IOA has complied, stating that the decision was made following disciplinary breaches reported by French authorities.
Panghal’s Olympic Journey
- Debut and Disqualification: Panghal, who competed in the 53 kg weight class, lost her first-round match against Zeynep Yetgil. Following the loss, she and her team faced further complications with the Olympic Village rules.
The situation highlights the importance of adhering to strict regulations during international sporting events. The Indian Olympic Association has confirmed that Panghal and her support staff will return to India following the breaches of protocol.