IOA President Criticizes Ad-Hoc Panel Over Coach Visa Delays for Paris Games

IOA President P.T. Usha on Wednesday strongly condemned the ad-hoc committee managing the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its oversight in not including wrestler Antim Panghal's coaches in the list sent to the Paris Olympic Games organizers.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reacted sharply following delays in visa clearance for Panghal's preferred coaches. The 19-year-old wrestler, who trains in Hisar, qualified for the Paris Games by winning a bronze medal at the World Championship in 2023. She is awaiting visa clearance for her coaches, Bhagat Singh and Vikas, and her physiotherapist, Heera.

Usha highlighted that the ad-hoc committee's decision omitted these crucial support staff members from the Olympic roster. This issue was only addressed after Antim's father approached the IOA. Meanwhile, an IOA source mentioned that Panghal should have approached the IOA for intervention in visa processing. The IOA chief praised the French Embassy for its support and expressed confidence that the visa requests would be processed speedily.

(With inputs from agencies.)