Julana: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has alleged that a widely circulated photo of her in a hospital bed with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha was part of a political maneuver. Phogat, who was hospitalized due to dehydration from extreme weight-cutting before a crucial bout, claims the photo was taken without her consent and falsely portrayed support.
Phogat expressed her frustration, stating that Usha’s visit was more of a political gesture than a genuine concern. “That’s not how you show support,” Phogat remarked, adding that the incident left her heartbroken and disillusioned with the politics in sports. Despite being urged to continue wrestling, she questioned the value of persisting in a field rife with politics.
Phogat’s Olympic hopes were dashed after failing a weigh-in, and the Court of Arbitration rejected her appeal for a joint silver medal for Sport (CAS).
