Indian wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat has slammed Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, accusing her of taking photographs with her on a hospital bed during the Paris Olympics and politicising the situation without providing any real support.
Phogat, one of India’s top medal hopes, was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics after missing the weigh-in by 100 grams.
“I don’t know what support I got there,” Phogat said. “PT Usha Madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked…As 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, many people are saying ‘Don’t leave wrestling’. For what should I continue? There is politics everywhere.”
Phogat accused Usha of using her situation for a photo opportunity rather than offering genuine support. “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, 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 (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!.”
The wrestling star’s disqualification has triggered discussions on the support systems provided to athletes in high-stress situations like the Olympics, with her remarks spotlighting the challenges faced by Indian athletes.
Shortly after the disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling through a post on her X account. “Mother, wrestling beat me, I lost. Your dream and my courage are all broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt,” she wrote, marking the end of her distinguished career.
Phogat’s statements have sparked a debate on the role of sports officials in supporting athletes during critical moments. The IOA has yet to respond to her claims.
