New Delhi: In yet another blow after the shock exit from Tokyo Olympics, grappler Vinesh Phogat has been temporarily suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India for indiscipline while Sonam Malik has been issued notice for misconduct.
The WFI is reportedly livid with the star grappler for her indiscipline at the Games, as Phogat reportedly had refused to stay at the village and train with other Indian team members. Before travelling to Tokyo, Phogat was getting training tips from Hungarian coach.
Vinesh has been given time till August 16 to reply to the notice.
The WFI has flagged off 3 issues on which it has demanded answers from the sportsperson. Phogat didn’t wear the name of brands sponsoring the Indian contingent at Tokyo.
‘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 newsmen.
According to the officials accompanying the contingent, Vinesh created ruckus over trivial reason at the village. She was allotted room near Indian teammates namely Sonam, Anshu Malik & Seema Bisla but she refused to stay & claimed that she might contract virus as they came from India to Tokyo.
Second, she declined to train with Indian squad. One day, when her training time coincided with the timings of Indian wrestlers, she chose not to train & rather sat on the fringes.
WFI has taken strong cognizance of the gross indiscipline & arrogant behaviour of the grappler and issued notice in this regard.
Vinesh went to the Olympics as a top medal contender but ended up losing by ‘fall’ against Belarus’ Vanesa.
Vinesh Phogat made a shocking heartbreaking exit from Quarter final after suffering a massive defeat at the hands of Belarus’ Vanesa Kaladzinskaya
Sonam issued notice for misconduct
The 19-year old Sonam has been issued a notice by the WFI for her alleged 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,’ an official told newsmen.
Sonam also failed to score any medal at her debut Olympics.
