Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly criticized the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for its handling of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Taking to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), Chaturvedi accused the IOA of shirking its responsibilities and failing to safeguard the interests of Indian athletes.
“Wow. So IOA totally washes its hands off any responsibility vis a vis Indian athletes’ interest. Vinesh Phogat has truly been denied justice and thrown under the bus, shame on IOA for releasing this statement while very well knowing Phogat’s case for silver is being deliberated,” Chaturvedi expressed in her post.
This statement from Chaturvedi follows the IOA’s contentious response to the ongoing discussions about Phogat’s claim to a silver medal, which has drawn widespread criticism. Chaturvedi also pointedly criticized IOA President PT Usha, recalling her previous remarks aimed at wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar.
“The statement is a reminder of how PT Usha ji went to Jantar Mantar and told the wrestlers they were bringing a bad name for India by protesting for justice against sexual harassment. What a letdown she has been as the head of IOA,” Chaturvedi stated.
The heated exchange was sparked after IOA issued a statement on Sunday. Dr. PT Usha, in her clarification, stated that the responsibility of weight management for athletes lies with the athletes and their coaches, not with the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer or his team. Usha defended the medical team, particularly Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, and condemned the criticism directed at them.
“Dr. Usha said that the hate directed at the IOA medical team, especially Dr. Pardiwala, is unacceptable and worthy of condemnation. She expressed hope that those rushing to judge the IOA medical team would consider all the facts before arriving at any conclusions,” read the IOA statement.
Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg wrestling final for breaching the weight limit. Her case is currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has extended its deadline for a decision until Tuesday, August 13. The verdict will determine whether Phogat is awarded the silver medal she was competing for before her disqualification.
As this controversy unfolds, Chaturvedi’s criticisms have sparked a broader debate about the IOA’s role and its commitment to supporting Indian athletes in their pursuit of justice and excellence on the global stage.
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