Vinesh accuses WFI chief of trying to end her Olympic dream; fears doping conspiracy
New Delhi (PTI): World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat on Friday accused the Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh of trying to stop her from competing in the Olympic Qualifiers by creating logistical hurdles for her support staff, saying she is also fearful of being trapped in a doping case.
The 29-year-old Phogat, who won 53kg bronze medals in the 2019 and 2022 World Championships besides a gold in the 2018 Asian Games (in 50kg), would be eyeing an Olympic quota in the 50kg category in the Asian qualifying tournament next week in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
At the selection trials in Patiala, she had also competed in the 53kg category after the authorities allowed her but lost in the semifinals.
"Brij Bhushan and his dummy Sanjay Singh are trying in every way to stop me from playing in the Olympics. All the coaches who have been appointed with the team are the favourites of Brij Bhushan and his team, so it cannot be denied that they may mix something in my water and make me drink it during my match?" Phogat said in lengthy post on his 'X' page.
"If I say that there could be a conspiracy to trap me in doping, then it will not be wrong."
Phogat alleged that her personal coach and physio were being denied accreditation for the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament starting April 19.
"For the past one month, I have been requesting the Government of India (SAI, TOPS) for the accreditation of my coach and physio. Without accreditation, it is not possible for my coach and physio to accompany me to the competition arena," she said.
"But despite repeated requests, I am not getting any concrete answer from anywhere. No one is ready to help. Will the future of players always be played with like this?
"No stone is being left unturned to mentally harass us. How far is it justified to torture us like this before such an important competition?" she asked.
Phogat was one of the three top wrestlers of the country who led a protracted protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing women wrestlers.
After a case was filed against Brij Bhushan by Delhi Police, a local court granted him bail in July.
She wondered if the difficulties she is facing now are due to the protest she led alongside Olympic bronze medal winners Bjarnag Punia and Sakshi Malik.
"Will we face politics even before we go to play for the country because we raised our voice against sexual harassment? Is this the punishment for raising voice against wrong in our country?
"I hope we will get justice before we go to play for the country."
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Rahul, Priyanka arrive in Ranthambore amid tourist rush to Rajasthan
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with family members, arrived in Ranthambore on Tuesday, as Rajasthan witnesses a sharp increase in tourist footfall across major destinations ahead of the New Year.
Ranthambore in Sawai Madhopur district is known for its tiger population and rich biodiversity, and has remained a preferred destination for visitors.
The New Year tourism rush has been reported across major destinations, including Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and prominent religious sites.
According to the Jaisalmer tourism officer, the golden city has witnessed a record number of tourists, with the Sonar Fort crowded with visitors and large gatherings.
Sam Sand dunes are also thronged by domestic and foreign tourists alike, enjoying desert camps, cultural performances and the New Year events, the tourism officer said.
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Long queues have been seen at the Pichola Lake boating, Karni Mata ropeway, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari and Sajjangarh Fort, he said, adding that traffic congestion has affected the old city areas.
The state capital, Jaipur, also witnessed massive footfall at heritage sites with Hawa Mahal attracting 16,807 visitors, 18,203 at the Amer Palace, 14,865 at Jantar Mantar, 9,320 at Nahargarh Fort and 7,941 at the Albert Hall Museum on Monday, the department of archaeology informed.
"All tourist destinations in the Pink City have been overcrowded since Saturday," Pooja Rathore, a tour guide from Jaipur, said.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur saw daily visitors double to 6,000-7,000 from the usual 2,500-3,000, Sanjay Koushik, a tour operator, said. He added that the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar has all safaris booked till January 5.
Religious centres, including the Khatushyamji in Sikar, Salasar Balaji in Churu, Mehandipur Balaji in Dausa and Sanwalia Seth in Chittorgarh, also received several times higher crowds.
Special arrangements are in place at Jaipur's Moti Dungri Ganesh temple and Govind Devji temple for January 1 morning.
Hotels, resorts and heritage properties statewide are fully occupied, and tariffs have been increased multifold.
"I came to Jaisalmer with my family from Jaipur, and it was a challenge for me to find a room. Somehow, I got a normal room with a daily charge of Rs 10,000, which I believe is 6-7 times higher than the normal rate," a tourist, Pramod Chaudhary, said.
A tour operator said new year rates have increased by 20 to 25 per cent in luxury segments. Events have been planned in these properties, which include DJ parties, cultural shows and themed nights.
To manage traffic and safety, diversions have been enforced in Jaipur and other cities.
In a road safety initiative, Jaipur Police has mandated hotels, restaurants and bars to issue pink slips with bills bearing the message "Do not drive after drinking" and display awareness posters, besides appointing nodal officers for coordination.
