WFI suspends Vinesh Phogat for indiscipline in Tokyo Olympics

Star grappler Vinesh Phogat has been temporarily suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for indiscipline. It is understood that Vinesh, who had a disappointing outing in Tokyo, has been charged for indiscipline on three occasions - one, where she refused to stay at the Games Village.

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The second, when she did not wear the name of the official sponsor of Indian contingent, Shiv Naresh and wore a Nike Singlet, and finally for creating ruckus when she was allotted a room near her Indian teammates Sonam, Anshu Malik and Seema Bisla, arguing that she may get COVID-19 from the fellow players since they had come from India. Vinesh has to respond to the notice by August 16.

"This is gross indiscipline. She has been suspended temporarily and barred from all wrestling activities. She can't compete in any national or other domestic event until she files a reply and WFI takes a final decision," a WFI source told PTI.

"WFI was pulled up by IOA why can't they control their athletes. IOA is issuing a notice to WFI in this regard," the source added.

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"She did not train with any of the Indian wrestlers. It appeared as if she had come with the Hungary team and had nothing to do with the Indian contingent.

"One day her timing clashed with the training timings of the Indian girls and she chose not to train at the same arena with them," the official added.

"This is not acceptable. This is not how senior wrestlers are supposed to behave."

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Vinesh was one of India’s brightest medal prospects but ended up suffering defeat by fall against Belarus' Vanesa Kaladzinskaya in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, young wrestler Sonam Malik has also been issued a notice for misconduct.

"These kids think, they have become star wrestlers and are entitled to do anything. Before leaving for Tokyo either Sonam or her family are supposed to collect their passport from the WFI office.

"But she ordered SAI officials to collect on her behalf. This is not acceptable. They have achieved nothing and are showing attitude. This will not be accepted," the official added.