India's Paris Olympic Medalist Banned For One Year Over Weight Violation

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Tuesday slapped a one-year-long ban on Paris Olympics medalist Aman Sehrawat for failing to make weight at the World Championships, which got him disqualified. The ban will be effective from September 23, the date on which the WFI sent the first show-cause notice.

Aman, who won Bronze in Paris, was a strong medal contender in the 57kg category. But he turned out to be 1.7 kg over the prescribed limit on the morning of his weigh-in and forfeited his bout. He was reportedly 600 grams overweight on the eve of the bout, which is normal for elite wrestlers to cut by the morning, but as the sun dawned, his weight had more than doubled, leaving no option but a disqualification if he participated.

WFI asked him

to appear before a five-member committee headed by President Sanjay Kumar Singh. National coaches were also in attendance and had to issue clarifications.

“Upon thorough examination the committee found your response unsatisfactory and has resolved to impose strict disciplinary action,” Singh said in the suspension letter issued to Aman on Tuesday. “You are hereby suspended from all wrestling related activities, both at the national and international level for a period of one year effective from the date of show cause notice.”

“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 ltter added.

“You failed to maintain the prescribed weight category for which you were officially selected, thereby depriving India of a potential medal opportunity and causing significant loss due to the expenditure incurred by the government for your participation and training. 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,” Singh wrote.

WFI said they gave Aman enough time and resources with a camp in Porec, Croatia, that started on August 25, before the Worlds began in Zagreb from September 13. The coaches were put under the scanner, too, but let off with a warning.

The suspension means he could miss the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, which start on September 19. Aman, in an interview with Hindustan Times, admitted his mistake but attributed the weight issue to an overnight stomach bug. He said he’d request the WFI to revoke the suspension, considering it was the first time he had failed to make weight.