Paris Olympics: Wrestler Antim Panghal, Team Deported From Paris For Disciplinary Breach

Antim Panghal and her team are being deported from Paris due to a significant disciplinary breach.

The young wrestler gave her official accreditation card to her sister, who was caught by security while leaving the Games Village.

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The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to send Antim and her support staff back to India. This decision came after French authorities informed the IOA about the breach. An IOA statement confirmed the deportation but did not specify the nature of the breach.

Disciplinary Breach Details

Instead of going to the Games Village, Antim went to a hotel where her coach Bhagat Singh and sparring partner Vikas were staying. She asked her sister to fetch her belongings from the Games Village. Her sister was caught impersonating Antim and taken to a police station for questioning.

The 19-year-old U20 world champion Antim was also called by the police to give her statement. This incident followed her loss in the opening bout of the women's 53kg category at the Paris Olympics.

Additional Misconduct

If that wasn't enough, Antim's personal support staff, Vikas and Bhagat, were involved in another incident. They travelled in a taxi while intoxicated and refused to pay the driver, who then called the police.

An IOA official expressed frustration over these events, stating, "We have left to fight fire." The situation has caused considerable embarrassment for India on an international stage.

Denial of Involvement

When contacted, Vikas denied any involvement in such incidents. He questioned the source of this information, saying, "Who told you this? Antim and her sister are sitting right before me."

This series of events has led to a swift response from the IOA, aiming to address and rectify the situation promptly. The actions of Antim and her entourage have brought unwanted attention and consequences.

The deportation serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to rules and maintaining discipline during international events. It underscores the need for athletes and their teams to uphold their responsibilities while representing their country.