IOA Chief Slams Vinesh Phogat for Blaming Association for Olympic Disqualification

IOA Chief Slams Vinesh Phogat for Blaming Association for Olympic Disqualification

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has strongly criticized former wrestler Vinesh Phogat for blaming the association for her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Usha asserted that the responsibility lies with Phogat’s team, not the IOA.

Phogat, who recently entered politics and won her debut election in Haryana, had accused the IOA of mishandling her disqualification. However, Usha refuted these claims, stating that the IOA had provided Phogat with all the necessary support.

“She was a sportsperson. She should carry the qualities of a sportsman,” Usha said. “We all wanted medals from her. After meeting her, we went to the World Wrestling Federation president to protest. They said, ‘rules are rules.'”

Usha emphasized that Phogat’s team was aware of the weight regulations and should have taken appropriate measures to ensure compliance. “For us, it’s new, only 100 gms, but for them it is not new. This had happened earlier as well so she should know what to do, and how to tackle it,” Usha said.

Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg category women’s freestyle final for being 100 gm overweight in the second weigh-in. She challenged the verdict in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but was unsuccessful.

Usha expressed disappointment that Phogat had chosen to criticize the IOA instead of acknowledging her own team’s shortcomings. “It is not our or our sport science doctor’s fault, it is her and her team’s fault but still, she criticises us,” Usha said.

Phogat’s disqualification ended her hopes of becoming the first woman Indian wrestler to win silver or gold in the Olympics. She announced her retirement from the sport shortly after the incident.

Mary Kom Stresses Weight Management Responsibility, Questions India's Boxing Performance

Mary Kom Stresses Weight Management Responsibility, Questions India’s Boxing Performance

Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom has weighed in on the controversy surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic heartbreak, emphasizing the importance of weight management as an athlete’s responsibility.

Mary Kom, who is India’s only woman boxer with an Olympic medal, expressed disappointment over Phogat’s disqualification for being 100gm over the prescribed limit. She stressed that weight management is crucial for athletes and that it is their duty to adhere to the regulations.

“I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone,” Mary Kom said.

She added, “I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think.”

Mary Kom has previously spoken about her own weight cut routines and the challenges involved. She started her career as a pin-weight (46kg) boxer before moving to the flyweight (51kg) division.

Phogat, who was considered a gold medal contender in Paris, went to extreme lengths to lose weight, including skipping meals and fluids, working out overnight, and cutting her hair. However, her efforts proved futile.

She challenged her disqualification, calling the rules inhumane, but her appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Phogat subsequently retired from wrestling and joined politics, contesting the Haryana assembly elections on a Congress ticket.

Mary Kom also expressed concern over India’s poor performance in boxing at the Paris Olympics, where the contingent failed to win a single medal. She said she wants to meet with the national federation and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss the issues and understand what went wrong.

“We know what the result was, it was so, so bad. I want to know what is lacking,” Mary Kom said. “I will meet the boxers too if the situation demands. If the sports minister has the knowledge (about the issues) I want to discuss that also.”

Mary Kom reiterated her desire to continue boxing professionally and expressed her hope for opportunities to fight. “I have not retired yet but I want to compete. I am trying to get opportunities, waiting for my chance to fight pro. I just want to come back,” she said.

Vinesh Phogat Accused of Omitting Uncle's Name in Thank You Note

Vinesh Phogat Accused of Omitting Uncle’s Name in Thank You Note

Vinesh Phogat, a former Indian wrestler, has once again faced accusations of omitting her uncle Mahavir Phogat’s name from her “thank you” note following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat qualified for the 50kg final but was disqualified for being 100gm overweight before the match.

In a conversation on ‘Top Angle With Sushant Sinha,’ Babita Phogat, Mahavir Phogat’s daughter and a former Indian wrestler, expressed her disappointment over Vinesh’s omission. She revealed that Mahavir had fought tirelessly to preserve Vinesh’s career and accused her cousin of ingratitude.

“I have seen my father cry just three times in my life. First, when me and my sisters got married. Second, when my uncle died and third, when Vinesh got disqualified from the Olympics,” Babita said. “When my uncle died, Vinesh and both of her siblings suddenly quit wrestling. My father went to their house and fought with their mother to get them back to wrestling. Imagine how much he has worked to make Vinesh. But she thanked everyone except for that guru.”

The National Anti-Doping Authority (NADA) has also served a notice to Vinesh Phogat for a whereabouts failure. A team was sent to collect a urine sample from Phogat, who missed a medal in the Paris Olympics due to her disqualification, but she was not available at her residence.

Vinesh Phogat, who made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the final of the Women’s 50kg category in Paris, has been asked to respond to the notice within 14 days.

The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about Vinesh Phogat’s relationship with her family and her gratitude towards those who have supported her career.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification: Yogeshwar Dutt Calls for Apology

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: Yogeshwar Dutt Calls for Apology

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics sent shockwaves through the Indian contingent and the wrestling world. The wrestler’s disqualification due to being 100gm overweight sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support.

However, London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt has expressed a different perspective, stating that Vinesh should have apologized for missing out on the medal. “If someone gets disqualified at the Olympics, the first thing they should do is apologize to the entire country for their mistake and for the loss of a medal,” Dutt said.

Dutt criticized the narrative that Vinesh’s disqualification was a conspiracy, emphasizing that the rules apply equally to all athletes. “Everyone knows that if someone is disqualified, whether it’s because of a 1-gram, 10-gram, or 100-gram weight difference, the rules apply the same,” he said.

Dutt also questioned the protests against Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing the protesters of creating a “wrong atmosphere” across the country. “Even after the loss of a medal for the country, a new narrative was built, claiming that something wrong had happened to Vinesh,” he said.

Dutt’s comments come as Vinesh and Bajrang Punia, another prominent face in the protests, have joined the Congress party and are contesting the Haryana Assembly election. Dutt, who joined the BJP in 2019, was overlooked by the party for the upcoming state assembly polls.

NADA Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat for Whereabouts Failure

NADA Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat for Whereabouts Failure

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has issued a notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat for whereabouts failure. The notice, served on Wednesday, seeks an explanation from Phogat within 14 days.

As a member of NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), Phogat is required to provide details of her availability for dope tests. If she fails to provide accurate information or is not present at the specified location and time, it is considered a whereabouts failure.

According to the notice, Phogat was not available for a dope test on September 9 at her residence in Kharkhoda village, Sonepat. The NADA notice states, “You are hereby given a formal notice to notify you about apparent failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements of the ADR, and to invite you to make any comments before we come to a final decision on the matter.”

Phogat has the option to accept the failure or provide evidence that she was present at the specified location for approximately 60 minutes. It is important to note that a single whereabouts failure does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation. However, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period can lead to charges against an athlete.

Phogat’s whereabouts failure comes at a time when she is actively involved in politics. She recently joined the Congress party and is contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly election from Julana constituency.

Wrestling Feud: Yogeshwar Dutt Slams Vinesh Phogat for Olympic Disqualification

Wrestling Feud: Yogeshwar Dutt Slams Vinesh Phogat for Olympic Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification Sparks Political Feud with Yogeshwar Dutt

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games 2024 has ignited a heated debate in India, with fellow wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt criticizing her actions and calling for an apology.

Phogat, who announced her retirement from wrestling after her disqualification, has since joined the Indian National Congress ahead of the upcoming Haryana elections. However, Dutt, who has also transitioned to politics, believes Phogat should have apologized for costing India a medal.

In an interview with AajTak, Dutt expressed his disappointment with Phogat’s behavior, both during the Olympic Games and the protests she participated in over the past year. He accused her of tarnishing India’s image and creating a false narrative.

“She should have apologized to the entire nation for her mistakes,” Dutt said. “Instead, she blamed a conspiracy and even dragged the Prime Minister into it. The disqualification was fair, and she should have accepted responsibility.”

Dutt also criticized Phogat’s role in the protests, claiming that she misled people and created a negative atmosphere in the country.

“If I were in Vinesh’s place, I would have apologized to the country,” Dutt said. “She cost India a medal and then tried to justify her actions by spreading false information.”

Phogat has yet to respond to Dutt’s comments, but her decision to join politics has raised questions about her motives. Some believe that she is using her platform to advance her political career, while others argue that she is genuinely committed to serving the people of Haryana.

The feud between Phogat and Dutt highlights the growing divide within India’s wrestling community. As the sport continues to gain popularity, it is likely that more wrestlers will enter the political arena, potentially leading to further clashes and controversies.

Vinesh Phogat Embraces Politics After Olympic Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat Embraces Politics After Olympic Heartbreak

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who suffered a heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, has embarked on a new chapter in her life by joining the Congress party and announcing her political debut.

Phogat’s decision to retire from wrestling after the Olympic setback has led her to seek a new path in politics. She has filed her nomination for the upcoming Haryana elections, contesting from the Julana Constituency in Jind.

An affidavit submitted by Phogat during her nomination filing reveals insights into her financial status. She owns three cars: a Volvo XC 60 (valued at Rs 35 lakh), a Hyundai Creta (valued at Rs 12 lakh), and a Toyota Innova (valued at Rs 17 lakh). She is also repaying a loan related to one of her cars.

Phogat’s immovable property is valued at Rs 2 crore. She has Rs 1.95 lakh in hand and her Income Tax returns for the financial year 2023-24 show an income of Rs 13,85,000.

Phogat’s uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestling coach, expressed his support for her political aspirations. He stated that his daughter, Sangeeta Phogat, will now carry forward his dream of an Olympic medal in wrestling, as he prepares her for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Last Friday, Phogat and Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia (Sangeeta’s husband) joined the Congress party. Phogat will make her electoral debut from Julana in Jind district.

Mahavir Phogat emphasized that Sangeeta will now focus on the 2028 Olympics, as Vinesh’s political career has opened up a new opportunity for her. He also mentioned that Babita Phogat’s knee injuries have hindered her return to the mat.

Vinesh Phogat Accuses PT Usha of Insincerity After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat Accuses PT Usha of Insincerity After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made startling revelations about her meeting with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a failed weigh-in.

Phogat, who was admitted to a poly-clinic in the Olympics village after falling ill, claims that PT Usha’s visit and subsequent social media post were insincere and exploitative. She alleges that Usha did not offer any meaningful support during her time of distress.

“I don’t know what support I got there,” Phogat said in an interview with a local news channel. “PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked… Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That’s why I was heartbroken.”

Phogat, who recently joined the Indian National Congress, expressed her disappointment with Usha’s decision to share the photo on social media, claiming that it was a mere publicity stunt.

“You are on a hospital bed, where you don’t know what’s happening in life outside, you are going through one of the worst phases of your life. At that place, just to show everyone you are standing with me, aap bina bataye photo kheench rahe ho, fir social media pe daal ke bol rahe ho hum saath mein khade hain (clicked a photo without telling me and then putting it on social media to say you are standing with me),” Phogat said.

“That’s not how you show support (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!”

Phogat’s allegations have raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the IOA and its leadership. Her claims have also sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes in India, particularly those who face setbacks or controversies.

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

Saina Nehwal’s historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics marked a watershed moment for Indian badminton. As the first Indian to achieve an Olympic medal in the sport, her triumph paved the way for India’s current dominance on the international stage.

Recently, Saina’s comments on the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked controversy. She criticized wrestler Vinesh Phogat for missing her weight cut and being disqualified from her gold medal match. However, Saina and her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, have defended her remarks.

“During the Paris Olympics, she expressed her opinion, and in the comments (on social media), I saw people saying that she got gifted the bronze medal,” Kashyap said. “Try and get yourself up to the level of the Olympics,” Saina retorted.

Saina’s bronze medal came after her opponent, Wang Xin, retired with an injury during the second game. “She was not the kind of player who showed any pain or emotions on court,” Saina recalled. “But I could see it in her face that something was wrong.”

“I heard a light sound from her end and she just sat down,” Saina continued. “I didn’t realize that something had happened to her. The next two-three points she was struggling to walk. And then suddenly she held out her hand and I wondered what was happening here.”

India won six medals at the Paris Olympics, one less than in Tokyo 2020. However, the badminton contingent disappointed with no medals for the first time since Beijing 2008. Despite strong contenders like PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Lakshya Sen, India failed to secure a podium finish.

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Vinesh Phogat Resigns from Indian Railways Amid Congress Speculation

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The resignation comes amid speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.

Phogat, 30, is a renowned wrestler who has won numerous medals at the international level, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. She was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams, a decision that she appealed against but was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In her resignation letter, Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. She stated that she was unable to perform her duties as OSD due to family circumstances and personal reasons. She requested that her resignation be accepted with immediate effect and that one month’s salary be deposited in lieu of her one month’s notice period.

Phogat’s resignation has sparked speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the Haryana assembly elections next month. She met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, leading to widespread rumors of her political ambitions.

If Phogat does join the Congress party, it would be a significant boost for the party’s campaign in Haryana. She is a popular figure in the state and has a strong following among the youth. Her decision to enter politics could also inspire other athletes to consider a career in public service.

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