WFI lifts suspension on wrestlers Aman Sehrawat and Neha Sangwan
What's the story
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has lifted the suspensions of Aman Sehrawat and rising star Neha Sangwan. The two were suspended for breaching their weight limits at the World Championships and World Under-20 Championships, respectively. The decision was taken after both wrestlers submitted apology letters and consultations with top national coaches. Here are further details on the same.
Suspension details
WFI president explains decision to lift suspensions
WFI president Sanjay Singh explained the decision to lift the suspensions. "Our coaches recommended that, considering these wrestlers' track record, they should be given a chance. Otherwise, they would miss out on important events, such as the National championships (in Ahmedabad in December) and the Pro Wrestling League (next year). After the two sent apology letters, saying that they would not commit such mistakes in the future, we decided to lift the suspension," WFI president Sanjay Singh told Sportstar.
Revocation process
Apology letters led to suspension revocation
The WFI took the decision to revoke the suspensions after receiving apology letters from both wrestlers. In their letters, they admitted that this was their first mistake and promised not to repeat it in the future. The WFI Disciplinary Committee met on November 13, reviewed their responses, and acknowledged their strong international records.
Warning issued
Future violations will attract stricter action
While the suspensions have been lifted, the WFI has warned that any future violations related to weight management or discipline will invite "stricter disciplinary action." In October, Sehrawat had apologized for what he felt was an honest mistake caused by stomach pain. He said at the time, "I started losing weight a week ago (before the event). When I had one day left, I kept 600gm (extra)."
Reason
Why WFI suspended Olympic medalist Aman Sehrawat
Last month, 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medalist Sehrawat, was handed a one-year suspension by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). According to reports, it was the first time an Indian sports federation suspended an Olympic medalist for disciplinary reasons. The decision came after Sehrawat was found overweight at the World Wrestling Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia.
Profile
Who is Aman Sehrawat?
Sehrawat, who was born on July 16, 2003, hails from the Jhajjar district in Haryana, India. Sehrawat sought inspiration from Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar's achievement at the 2012 London Olympics, where the latter won silver. Cut to 2024, Sehrawat won the bronze medal in the men's freestyle 57kg wrestling category at the Paris Games. At 21, he became the youngest Indian to win an individual Olympic medal. He is also a two-time junior world champion (2021 and 2022).