Paris Olympics Hero Aman Sehrawat Suspended for One Year Over Weight Controversy!

Aman Sehrawat, the 22-year-old Indian wrestler who clinched bronze in the men's 57 kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics, has been suspended for one year from all wrestling-related activities following a weight management failure at the Senior World Wrestling Championships. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced the decision on Tuesday, citing "indiscipline and lack of professionalism" after Sehrawat exceeded the weight limit by 1.7 kg, leading to his disqualification from the event held in Zagreb, Croatia, from September 13 to 21.

Sehrawat, one of India's brightest prospects in freestyle wrestling, was a top medal hopeful entering the championships. However, his inability to meet the strict 57 kg requirement forced him to withdraw, marking a significant setback for the Indian contingent. The team struggled overall at the tournament, with only Antim Panghal securing a bronze in the women's 53 kg category—the sole medal for India amid high expectations following the Olympic success. Sehrawat's lapse drew immediate scrutiny, as weight control is a cornerstone of competitive wrestling, where athletes must adhere to precise categories to ensure fair play and safety.

The suspension stems from a show-cause notice issued by the WFI on September 23, demanding an explanation for the weight overrun. Sehrawat submitted his response on September 29, but the federation's Disciplinary Committee found it "unsatisfactory". In a formal letter quoted by ESPN, the WFI stated: "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. 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."

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The federation emphasised that Olympic medallists like Sehrawat are expected to embody the highest standards of conduct, underscoring the breach as a failure to uphold professional responsibilities. In a related move, Sehrawat's chief coach, Jagmander Singh, along with three other staff members—Vinod, Virender, and Narender—have been issued notices to explain their oversight in monitoring his weight preparation. This action highlights broader accountability measures within Indian wrestling, a sport that has faced governance challenges in recent years, including leadership disputes and athlete protests.

The one-year ban, effective immediately, will sideline Sehrawat from national trials, international competitions, and training camps until October 2026, potentially impacting his momentum ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. As India continues to invest in wrestling to bolster its Olympic medal tally—currently at seven from Paris—the incident serves as a cautionary tale on the rigours of elite preparation. WFI officials have not yet commented on potential appeals, but the decision underscores the federation's commitment to discipline amid growing global scrutiny on athlete welfare and performance standards.

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