New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has wondered how wrestler names of Antim Panghal’s coaches were absent from the list sent to Paris Olympics organisers.
As a result of the exclusion, Panghal’s coaches Bhagat Singh, Vikas and physiotherapist Heera are facing a delay in getting their visas for the trip to Paris despite getting the IOA’s clearance.
Through her bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship, the 19-year-old became the first Indian wrestler to book a seat at the Paris Games. But her support staff is yet to get visa compelling Usha to speak up on the matter.
“Antim won India an Olympic quota as early as in September 2023 by claiming a bronze medal in the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade. In its wisdom the Ad Hoc Committee, administering wrestling, chose not to include the names of Antim’s coach or physiotherapist in the long list of names sent to the Olympic Games Organising Committee,” Usha said in a statement on Wednesday.
I am extremely thankful to IOA prez PT Usha and Shiva Keshavan for understanding my probs and writing to French Consulate. I felt humbled. 🙏🙏 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/m37Iij3fJp
— Antim Panghal (@OlyAntim) July 17, 2024
The Sports ministry suspened the Wrestling Federation of India in December 2023 and appointed a three member ad-hoc panel to oversee its day-to-day administration.
IOA executive council Bhupendra Singh Bajwa was chosen to head the panel that also included MM Somaya and Manjusha Kanwar.
“It is strange that the responsible authorities, who approved the long list of athletes, coaching and support staff, did not deem it fit to recommend the inclusion of Bhagat Singh or Heera or Vikas.
“It was only after Antim’s father came to IOA a few days ago that I stepped in to have them cleared by the Ministry,” Usha said.
‘Unprecedented criticism’
The legendary athlete also criticised those who are deliberately making disparaging comments at the efforst put in by IOA to end 117 athletes and 140 support staff to Paris, an almost three-fold jump in the number of background personnel.
It includes a 13-member Sports Science team led by sports medicine expert Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala.
“At IOA, we have embarked on an era when athletes are at the centre of our planning and preparations. Instead of the usual 3:1 ratio between athletes and support staff, we have worked hard to change it to slightly better than 1:1 ratio,” Usha said.
A total of 68 coaches and 50 support staff will help 117 athletes in Paris and despite efforts to make athletes comfortable, Usha was disappointed to hear of reports that put showed their work in a negative light.
“Together with the sports ministry, and its units, the National Sports Federations and a good bunch of corporate partners, IOA had forged unprecedented teamwork. It is shocking that some have turned a blind eye to such synergy,” the former sprinter added.
Antim Panghal’s coaches Bhagat Singh, Vikas and physiotherapist Heera are facing a delay in getting their visas for Paris Olympics despite getting the IOA’s clearance Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
