akhilesh-criticises-ioa-cites-political-conspiracy-at-play

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday criticised the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) following remarks made by its president, P.T. Usha, regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's recent disqualification from the Olympics.

In a pointed comment, Yadav suggested that the central government would excel in an "Olympics for political conspiracy," indicating his dissatisfaction with those in power.

Phogat, 29, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics on 7 August after she was found to be 100 grams overweight ahead of her women's 50 kg final bout. An appeal against her disqualification has been filed, with a decision expected on Tuesday.

Amid the controversy surrounding Phogat’s weigh-in, IOA President Usha stated on Sunday that it is the athlete's responsibility to manage their weight. She described the criticism of the IOA's medical team as "unacceptable and worthy of condemnation."

Yadav, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, condemned the IOA’s stance, describing it as "reprehensible." He questioned whether the IOA was attempting to shift blame onto Phogat’s coach and support team, who are also associated with the organisation.

"Is the Indian Olympic Association pointing a finger at the support team along with the coach? These people are also associated with the association. The question also arises as to who selected the support team. People are asking if the responsibility was only of those people, then why was the chief medical officer sent along," Yadav said.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister warned that such statements could demoralise athletes, particularly those who have struggled to qualify for the Olympics, as well as their coaches and support teams.

Yadav likened the IOA's remarks to the "injustice" experienced by Phogat, whom he referred to as the "country’s daughter."

"The people of the country are watching and they understand everything. The country should at least bear the responsibility of the person on whose shoulders the responsibility of the country lies," Yadav added.

In his post, Yadav also tagged Phogat, further highlighting his support for the wrestler.