'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.
Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
