Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 15: In a major relief for two prominent wrestlers, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Friday revoked the suspensions of Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat and junior wrestler Neha Sangwan. Both had been barred earlier this year for missing weight ahead of crucial bouts at the senior and junior world championships.
Aman, a Paris Olympics bronze medallist in the men’s 57 kg freestyle category, was handed a one-year suspension after he failed to make weight before his first bout at the World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia in September. Neha faced a two-year suspension for a similar lapse at the U20 World Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria in August.
The 22-year-old Olympian had attributed his weight miss to a sudden stomachache the night before weigh-in. “This is the first such mistake and I am embarrassed about it. It wasn’t intentional,” he had said earlier.
WFI President Sanjay Singh confirmed the decision to lift the bans, emphasising that the federation considered this a first-time lapse. “We have decided to lift the suspension as this was their first mistake. Both wrestlers have assured us that there will be no such lapses in future,” Singh told The Indian Express.
The disciplinary committee met on November 13 and reviewed written responses from both athletes. Their strong international performances played a key role in the federation adopting a lenient stance. “Everyone agreed that the wrestlers have performed well internationally, so we accepted the committee’s recommendation,” Singh added.
However, he cautioned that any repeat offence would invite stricter disciplinary action.
With the suspensions lifted, both Aman and Neha are now eligible to compete in the returning Pro Wrestling League (PWL), scheduled to resume in January after a six-year break.
Aman, who had been seen as one of India’s strongest medal prospects at the World Championships, had earlier expressed hope that WFI would reconsider. His absence had cost India a potential podium finish in the 57 kg category, as the men’s freestyle team finished the event without a medal.
The reinstatement now allows both wrestlers to resume full-scale training and return to national and international competition, marking a fresh start for the promising athletes.