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The Tokyo Olympics 2020 has been surrounded by controversy. There’s no doubt that this year’s Summer Games gave birth to controversial events ranging from Simone Biles’ decision to not participate in the finals to athletes complaining about the strict COVID-19 restrictions in the Olympic village. All in all, it’s been a memorable summer filled with high-paced action.

The latest topic of debate to emerge from Japan is the issue surrounding Indian wrestler Deepak Punia and his foreign assistant coach, Murad Gaidarov. The latter was in the news earlier this week after reports emerged that he assaulted a wrestling official following Punia’s loss in the bronze medal bout to San Marino?s Myles Amine in the men’s 86 kg weight class.

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Deepak Punia’s foreign coach sent home for assaulting Tokyo Olympics referee

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The Indian Olympic Association (IOC) confirmed today that they have indeed moved to dismiss Murad Gaidarov following the incidents that took place in Tokyo. The decision was made following a hearing which found Gaidarov guilty.

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?Indian wrestling team?s foreign assistant coach Mr Murad Gaidarov who was involved in an uncalled incident of assault on one of the match referees, is being withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympic Village immediately and is being called back to India on the latest flight,? IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta tweeted earlier on Friday.

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Gaidarov, who won a silver medal in the men’s 74 kg wrestling category, had been training Deepak Punia since 2018. This was the Indian youngster’s first Olympic outing and it ended in visible heartbreak.

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The 42-year Belarus international spent the last three years helping the 2018 junior world champion prepare for the Olympics. But their journey will end abruptly. It remains to be seen if the IOC and WFI appoint a replacement on an immediate basis. Watch this space for more.

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