Paris 2024: Did wrestler Antim Panghal lose because of another weight goof-up in the Indian camp?

Paris Olympics: Amid the ongoing controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics concerning wrestler Vinesh Phogat, fresh reports have emerged suggesting that Antim Panghal's early exit from the competition was due to yet another weight management goof-up within the Indian camp. Panghal, who competed in the women's freestyle 53kg event, was defeated by Turkey's Zeynep Yetgil in the Round of 16, a loss that has raised questions about the preparation and support provided to Indian wrestlers.

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Did Antim Panghal lose because of another weight management goof-up?

According to reports, Antim Panghal had to endure severe weight-cutting measures in the days leading up to her bout. Reports indicate that she starved for two days in an effort to manage weight, which left her severely depleted of energy by the time her match began. Panghal was eventually outclassed by her opponent in just 101 seconds.

Antim Panghal's situation has come to light amid the ongoing fiasco involving Vinesh Phogat, another Indian wrestler at Paris Olympics. Phogat was disqualified from the finals of the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event after being found overweight by just over 100 grams on the morning of the finals. Despite her desperate attempts to shed the extra weight, Phogat's efforts were in vain, and she was denied permission to compete.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification was particularly heartbreaking, as she had been slated to fight the USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal. Instead, her place was taken by Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman, whom Phogat had defeated in the semifinals. 

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified! What Are The Rules Due To Which Phogat Was Denied Medal At Paris

The parallels between Vinesh Phogat's and Antim Panghal's experiences have prompted scrutiny of the Indian wrestling camp's weight management practices. Antim Panghal, who was one of the first to secure an Olympic quota in the 53kg category, found herself in this position due to the apparent lack of support and guidance.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh on Wednesday demanded action against the support staff attached with Vinesh Phogat in the wake of her shock exit from the Paris Olympics, saying the blunder of not maintaining her weight before the final was not acceptable. It will be interesting to see if Antim Panghal's case is also scrutinized by the WFI.