World’s Number One Wrestler Handed Suspension After Gross Indiscipline at Tokyo Olympics
Follow Us
Vinesh Phogat arrived in Tokyo as a medal favorite in the women’s 53kg wrestling category. She not only carried the tag of top seed, but the top-ranked wrestler to take part in the category at the Tokyo Olympics.
However, the 26-year-old suffered a shock exit in the quarterfinal stages of the tournament. Earlier today, she received more misery in the aftermath of the Games as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) handed a temporary suspension to Phogat.
Vinesh Phogat served temporary suspension by the WFI for “gross indiscipline”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Phogat won a gold medal in women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which began her rise to the top. Prior to the Tokyo Olympics, she won a gold medal in women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling at the 2021 Asian Championships held in Almaty and clinched the #1 spot in the world rankings.
Earlier today, the WFI issued a temporary suspension to the 26-year-old for her actions during the Games. She arrived in Tokyo from Hungary with her foreign coach, Woller Akos prior to the Olympics. Hence, she refused to train with members of the Indian team, who travelled from India itself.
Trending
Adopted Simone Biles Opens on Unusual Family Situation: “My Biological Mom Is Also My Dad’s Daughter”
April 20, 2024 03:35 PM EDT
Despite Congratulating Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill Admits ‘Running Away’ to Escape Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Win
April 22, 2024 04:01 AM EDT
Major Disappointment as Olivia Dunne Benched for LSU vs Utah NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Finals
April 20, 2024 10:10 PM EDT
Russell Wilson Revels in Parenthood as Steelers QB Celebrates Ciara’s Son Future Following “Blast at Picture Day”
April 22, 2024 03:14 AM EDT
Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson’s Track World “No Longer a Platform for Great Personalities” Claims US Legend
April 21, 2024 10:35 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
In addition, she also refused to wear a kit containing the sponsors of the Indian team, Shiv-Naresh, on it. A source from the WFI called her actions an example of gross indiscipline.
The source said, “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.”
“WFI was pulled up by IOA why can’t they control their athletes. IOA is issuing a notice to WFI in this regard.”
Tokyo Olympics Authorities Suspend Ukraine Athlete For Testing Positive For Doping
Indian officials who went to Tokyo criticised her behaviour
An official who witnessed Phogat’s behaviour in Tokyo admitted she set a poor example for senior wrestlers. In addition, he also admitted it appeared she didn’t arrive in Tokyo as part of the Indian contingent at all.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The official said, “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. This is not acceptable. This is not how senior wrestlers are supposed to behave.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Along with Phogat, 19-year-old Sonam Malik received a notice for misconduct during the Games.
WATCH STORY: World Number One Novak Djokovic, Brady Ellison and Others Who Were Defeated at Tokyo Olympics 2020
Written by:
