WFI Suspends Vinesh Phogat For Indiscipline, Notice Issued To Sonam Malik For Misbehavior

Vinesh Phogat, who was training in Hungary with coach Voler Ekos, had flown straight from there to Tokyo, where she refused to stay in sports village and train with other members of Indian team.

Vinesh Phogat, Photo Courtesy: Anurag Thakur (Twitter)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has 'temporarily' suspended star wrestler Vinesh Phogat for indiscipline during her campaign at the Tokyo Olympic Games and also issued a cause notice to young Sonam Malik for misbehavior.  

Vinesh, who was knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Games, has been given time till August 16 to respond to the notice. There have been three charges of indiscipline against her.

Vinesh, who was training in Hungary with coach Voler Ekos, had flown straight from there to Tokyo, where she refused to stay in the sports village and train with other members of the Indian team. She also wore a Nike outfit during her bouts, refusing to wear the outfit of Shiv Naresh, the official sponsor of the Indian contingent.

"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.

The officials who were in Tokyo told PTI that Vinesh had created ruckus when she was allotted a room near those of her Indian team-mates.

"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."

Vinesh had entered the Games as a top medal contender but ended up suffering defeat by fall against Belarus' Vanesa.

The 19-year old Sonam has been given 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.

Sonam also returned without a medal from her debut Olympics.