Vinayak Padmadeo
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 14
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat in all likelihood will not be allowed to participate in the World Championships that is scheduled to be held in Oslo, Norway in October.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has temporarily suspended Vinesh for indiscipline during her stay in Tokyo. In a show-cause notice, the WFI cited three breaches, including her refusal to share the same floor, refusing to train with Indian wrestlers, and using a non-certified singlet in her quarterfinal loss in Tokyo.
Besides Vinesh, the wrestling body had also sent notices to Sonam Malik, who represented India in the 62 kg weight division, and Divya Kakran for misconduct.
The WFI has decided to call a trial to select the team for the Worlds, which will be held from October 2, in New Delhi on August 31. All three wrestlers will not be allowed to take part in the trials. The WFI initially wanted to keep them away from at least two important international meets, but now it is likely that the suspension will be for the World Championships only.
“We have tentatively decided to hold the trials on August 31. The dates may change, so once it is finalised we will put up a notice,” said a source privy to the proceedings.
“I don’t think these wrestlers will be allowed to take part in the trials, whenever they are held. So if they are not part of the trials then they are out of the team for the World Championships,” the source added.
The disciplinary committee, headed by senior vice president ID Nanavati, will take up the matter formally after receiving all three replies from the wrestlers.
Sonam was reprimanded for throwing starry tantrums after she qualified for the Olympics, Divya meanwhile was sent a notice after her father gave out a statement that the federation was biased against the wrestler after the body denied her a chance to stake her claim on the 68 kg for the World Qualifiers that was held in Sofia, Bulgaria in May.
While both Divya and Sonam have apologised for their conduct in their replies, Vinesh is yet to respond to the show-cause notice. Vinesh has time until Monday to respond to the show-cause notice.
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