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Journalism of Courage
Wrestling Federation of India on Friday lifted the suspensions of Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat and junior wrestler Neha Sangwan. Aman and Neha were barred from wrestling activities after they were disqualified because of being overweight before their bouts at the recent World Championships and U20 World Championships, respectively.
22-year-old Aman had claimed that he missed the weight due to a stomachache. “This is the first such mistake and I am embarrassed about it. But it wasn’t intentional and happened due to a stomach ache that developed the night before the weigh-in,” Aman had said recently.
Confirming the development, Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh said, “Yes, we have decided to lift the suspension as this was their first lapse. The wrestlers have committed that there won’t be any more such lapses and they will be careful in the future,” Singh told the Indian Express over a phone call.
The WFI disciplinary committee met on November 13 and examined the written submission from the wrestlers. A track record of solid performances at the international level worked in favour of the wrestlers as the committee recommended taking a soft stance on the matter. “There was a meeting yesterday and everybody is of the opinion that the wrestlers have been performing well at the international level. So, we decided to go ahead with the committee’s recommendation,” said Singh.
When asked what would happen if there is another lapse from the wrestler’s side, Singh said, “Any repeat offence will mean that we will take stricter disciplinary action.”
The revoked ban also means that Aman and Neha can participate in the revived Pro Wrestling League (PWL), which is making a return after six years and is tentatively scheduled for January next year.
Earlier, Aman had told this daily that he would ask the WFI to reconsider. “See, I was prepared for the gold. The current gold medallist lost to me last year and I was confident this time but the stomach ache was unfortunate and I couldn’t do anything. I haven’t spoken to Sanjay Singh after the ban, but I’ll meet him and request him to reconsider this.”
Aman was one of the strongest medal contenders for India at the World Championships, given his form in the buildup to the tournament, but his absence from the 57kg category meant that the Indian men’s freestyle team returned from the tournament empty-handed.
