Controversy Erupts Over Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024
- Priyanka Chaturvedi criticizes IOA for not supporting Vinesh Phogat in a crucial time.
- She questions if the Indian government is backing the statements made by IOA chief PT Usha.
- Chaturvedi labels IOA's statement over Phogat's disqualification as shameful.
In a heated response to the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for its lack of support during this critical time. Chaturvedi condemned the IOA's press release regarding Phogat's situation as "shameful," emphasizing that the athlete has been left to fight for justice on her own. She questioned whether the Indian government endorses the statements made by IOA chief PT Usha and called for accountability regarding her position. Chaturvedi further expressed concern over the IOA's apparent unwillingness to support athletes in distress, suggesting that the organization is shirking its responsibilities. She highlighted the central government's failure to provide adequate backing for Phogat, raising questions about the future support athletes can expect from the IOA. The Rajya Sabha MP also criticized PT Usha for her previous comments during a protest by women wrestlers, where Usha suggested that their actions were damaging the country's image rather than offering support. In defense of the IOA, PT Usha stated that managing weight is primarily the responsibility of the athlete and their coach, not the IOA's medical team. She condemned the backlash directed at the IOA's medical staff, particularly Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, as unacceptable. Meanwhile, India awaits a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal after her disqualification for being slightly overweight, with a decision expected on August 13.