WFI suspends Vinesh Phogat for indiscipline, notice issued to Sonam Malik

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has "temporarily suspended" Vinesh Phogat on 10 August 2021 for indiscipline during her journey in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Also, the WFI has issued a notice to Sonam Malik for misconduct.

Vinesh Phogat:

Vinesh Phogat represented India in women's 53kg Freestyle wrestling in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She ended her journey in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics against Vanesa Kaladzinskaya Tiako. She got time till 16 August to reply to her notice issued about her indisciplinary activities on three counts. Also after reaching Tokyo she did not agree on staying at the games village. Also, she did not complete her training along with the other Indian athletes and key members.

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Not only this, but she also crossed the mark by not wearing the name of the official sponsors of the Indian contingent Shiv Naresh. Instead of that, she wore a Nike singlet while her bouts. The Tokyo officials informed PTI about Phogat's behavior when they asked her to stay in a room near Indian teammates. But she refused to stay and argued that she might get affected by coronavirus as they were traveling from India to Tokyo.

A WFI source told PTI, "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". The source also added, "WFI was pulled up by IOA why can`t they control their athletes. IOA is issuing a notice to WFI in this regard."

The official mentioned, "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."

Sonam Malik:

The 19-year-old Sonam Malik has also received a notice for misconduct. The official also said, "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."