You owe no explanation to no one: Ravi Shastri rallies behind Simone Biles

The 59-year-old rallied behind USA's artistic gymnast Simone Biles and stated she owes no explanation to anyone after the 24-year-old withdrew her name from women's all-around final at Ariake Gymnastics Centre.

Several athletes have talked about mental health issues in the recent past. The number of games and expectations have taken their toll on the athletes as they look to focus on their mental health while looking after them physically. Recently, four-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles withdrew from the USA's all-around final at the Tokyo Olympics as she wants to focus on her mental health.

Ravi Shastri lends support to Simone Biles. (Reuters/AP)

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka had pulled out from the French Open and missed Wimbledon due to similar issues.

Tokyo 2020 Live Day 6

Both the athletes have found support from India men's cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri. The 59-year-old rallied behind USA's artistic gymnast Simone Biles and stated she owes no explanation to anyone after the 24-year-old withdrew her name from women's all-around final at Ariake Gymnastics Centre. He also supported tennis player Naomi Osaka.

"Take your time @Simone_Biles. You have earned the right to owe it to yourself at this tender age. 48 hours or 48 days it might take. Just do it Champion. You owe no explanation to no one. @naomiosaka, you too. God bless you girls #Olympics," tweeted Ravi Shastri.

On Wednesday USA Gymnastics confirmed to Tokyo 2020 that Biles will not participate in the all-around final as she wants to focus on her mental health. No decision yet on whether she will compete in next week's apparatus finals, as per Olympics.com.

"After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games, in order to focus on her mental health," read a statement from the governing body. "Simone will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether or not to participate in next week's individual event finals. Jade Carey, who had the ninth-highest score in qualifications, will participate in her place in the all-around."

"We wholeheartedly support Simone's decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many," the statement concluded.

(with ANI inputs)