Paris, Aug 8 (UNI) Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, currently competing at the Paris Olympics, has issued a statement to clarify the controversy surrounding her recent disciplinary action.
This follows reports of her involvement in an altercation and subsequent police involvement, which have sparked rumors of a potential ban.
In a video statement released on social media on Thursday, Panghal addressed the situation, explaining that the events have been misrepresented. “I had come here to the Olympics, and there was a bout yesterday. I got defeated. It is wrong that police had taken me. When I was defeated, I caught a fever. I sought permission to visit my sister at the hotel. The permission was given,” Panghal stated.
She went on to explain that her sister had visited the Olympic Village to collect her luggage, but was detained by police when she presented Panghal’s accreditation card for verification.
“They took my accreditation card and took her to the police station for verification. They are saying that the coach fought with a cab driver. But it was not so. We had booked his cab, he came to the hotel. He told the driver that he did not have the Euro and hence came to the room to take Euro to pay him. It led to an altercation but not like it is being talked about,” she added.
Amid the confusion, rumors circulated that Panghal had been banned from the Olympics. However, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has strongly denied these claims. In a statement, the IOA clarified that no ban has been imposed on Antim Panghal and urged media outlets to verify such reports before publication. “We request media persons to please check with the IOA leadership before posting such reports,” the IOA’s statement read.
As the situation continues to develop, the IOA and Panghal’s team are expected to provide further updates. The incident has garnered significant attention, and the true nature of the events is still unfolding. Fans and supporters of Panghal will be hoping for a swift resolution to the situation, allowing her to concentrate on her Olympic journey.
