'Player, coach responsible': PT Usha defends IOA amid controversy over Vinesh's disqualification
Paris: Amid the ongoing row surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympic final in the women's 50 kg freestyle wrestling, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has come forward to defend the IOA's medical team. The disqualification, which cost Phogat an Olympic medal, has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the role of the IOA's medical team, particularly Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Usha emphasized that in sports such as wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo, the responsibility of weight management lies with the athlete and their coach, not with the IOA-appointed medical team. She strongly condemned the backlash directed at Dr. Pardiwala and his team, calling it "unacceptable and worthy of condemnation” and urged critics to consider all facts before drawing conclusions.
Usha clarified that the primary role of the IOA medical team is to assist in the recovery and injury management of athletes during and after competitions. They also provide support to sports persons who do not have access to their own nutritionists and physiotherapists.
Meanwhile, Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. The CAS is expected to announce its verdict on Phogat's plea on August 13.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
