By Faham Uddin

Copyright timesnownews

Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat was banned by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for indiscipline after he was found 1.7 Kg overweight ahead of his opening bout against Vladimir Erogov of North Macedonia in the World Wrestling Championship in Zagreb (Croatia). This is the first instance of an Olympic medallist being banned for indiscipline in Indian sports history. The development means that Sehrawat will miss the Asian Games next year in Japan. The 22-year-old’s ban will end on September 22, 2026, while the Asiad 2026 will be held from September 19 to October 4. The federation had sent a show-cause notice to Aman Sehrawat after he returned to India from Zagreb on September 23 and was asked to explain the negligence in failing to maintain his weight. Along with Sehrawat, four men’s freestyle coaches were also sent show-cause notices for failure to address the recurring issue of weight mismanagement of Indian wrestlers. Notably, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight in the women’s 50Kg category. Aman Sehrawat Breaks Silence On WFI SuspensionAman reacted to the development and said he would request the WFI to overturn the ban. “It has never happened in my career that I have failed to maintain weight. I would request WFI to take back the suspension, taking into consideration that it was my first such mistake,” Aman told Hindustan Times. “I was confident that I would be able to shed 600gm overnight. I started having stomach problems and therefore I was just not able to train (to cut weight). It was getting very difficult. At night I thought I should have some liquid and food so that I could get rid of the stomach pain and then I can start training early in the morning. But that did not happen. In the morning I saw my weight had shot up,” he said. ‘Aman Tarnished Image Of The Nation On Global Stage’ – WFIThe hearing was held at the WFI office on October 5 and was attended by Federation President Sanjay Singh, selection committee members, medical team, Aman and coaching staff. While the coaches were let off with a warning, Aman was banned after his response was found unsatisfactory. The WFI stated that Aman tarnished the country’s image on the global stage. “Your (Aman) reply, dated Sept 29, 2025, was duly reviewed by the WFI’s disciplinary committee. Additionally, clarifications were obtained from the chief coach and supporting coaching staff. Upon thorough examination, the committee found your response unsatisfactory and has resolved to impose strict disciplinary action. Accordingly, you are, hereby, suspended from all wrestling-related activities, both at the national and international level, for a period of one (1) year, effective from the date of the show-cause notice,” read the letter signed by Singh. “The suspension is on the following grounds: You were deputed to attend the accumulation camp at Porec, Croatia, commencing from Aug 25, 2025, providing sufficient time to maintain your weight and fitness. Despite reporting 18 days prior to your scheduled bout, you were disqualified from the championship due to being overweight by 1.7 kg. As an Olympic medallist, WFI holds you to the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and commitment. Failure to adhere to these standards, particularly in managing your weight, has not only impacted your personal credibility but also tarnished the image of the nation on the global stage, causing disappointment among the wrestling fraternity and supporters,” the letter added. “You failed to maintain the prescribed weight category (57 kg) for which you were officially selected, thereby depriving India of a potential medal opportunity and causing significant financial loss due to the expenditure incurred by the govt of India for your participation and training. This decision is final and binding. During the period of suspension, you are barred from participating in or associating with any activities organised or sanctioned by WFI at both national and international levels,” the letter stated. Medal Hopes Take A HitAman was one of the top medal contenders at the World Championships, having won bronze at Ulaanbaatar Open ranking series in June and gold at the Yasar Dogu invitational in Aug ahead of the World Championship. The federation had also banned Neha Sangwan for two years after she was disqualified from the U20 Wrestling Worlds in Bulgaria for being 700 grams overweight in the women’s 59 KG category.