Vinesh Phogat Slams PT Usha, Accuses IOA Chief of Politics During Paris Olympics

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Vinesh Phogat, one of India's most decorated wrestlers, has opened up about her heartbreak after a disastrous experience at the Paris Olympics. Her Olympic journey ended in bitter disappointment when she failed to make weight for the 50kg freestyle wrestling final, falling short by just 100 grams. This unfortunate incident not only cost her a potential gold medal but also led her to announce her retirement from the sport.

In the aftermath, Vinesh made an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting a joint silver medal as she had already reached the final. Unfortunately, her appeal was rejected. The strenuous efforts she made to cut weight before the weigh-in caused her severe dehydration, which resulted in hospitalization.

PT Usha’s Hospital Visit and Social Media Backlash

During this challenging period, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha visited Vinesh in the hospital, a gesture intended to show support. A photo of Usha standing by Vinesh’s hospital bed was shared on social media, drawing attention from all corners. However, Vinesh has now spoken out, claiming that this act was part of a larger political ploy.

In an interview with a local news outlet (as reported by Times of India), Vinesh expressed her disillusion: “I don’t know what support I got there. 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. Otherwise a lot of people are saying, 'Don’t leave wrestling’. For what should I continue! There is politics everywhere.”

Phogat, who has won multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, felt that her privacy and vulnerability in the hospital were exploited. She was upset that the photo was taken without her knowledge and shared publicly, which she believes was done to project an image of solidarity, even though she felt unsupported.

"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). That’s not how you show support. What was it more than (posturing)!" Vinesh explained, reflecting her frustration.

More than a month after the heartbreaking episode, Vinesh has shifted her focus to a new chapter. She recently joined the Congress party, marking her entry into politics.