Vinesh Phogat suspended by WFI for 'indiscipline' in Tokyo; Sonam Malik served notice

In a breaking development, India's star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been temporarily suspended by Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). As per PTI, Vinesh Phogat has been suspended by WFI for indiscipline during Tokyo Olympics campaign and a tice of misconduct has also been served to wrestler Sonam Malik. As per report, Vinesh Phogat has been charged with three counts of misconduct and has been given time till August 16 to reply to tice.

Vinesh Phogat 'temporarily suspended' 

Vinesh Phogat who had travelled to Tokyo from Hungary where she had trained with coach Woller Akos, had allegedly refused to stay at Games Vill and train with or Indian team members. She also did t wear name of official sponsors of Indian contingent, Shiv Naresh, and chose to wear a Nike singlet during her bouts. 

"This is gross indiscipline. She has been suspended temporarily and barred from all wrestling activities. She can't compete in any national or or domestic event until she files a reply and WFI takes a final decision,. WFI was pulled up by IOA why can't y control ir athletes. IOA is issuing a tice to WFI in this regard," a WFI source told PTI. 

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 -- Sonam, Anshu Malik and Seema Bisla -- arguing that she might contract COVID since se wrestlers travelled to Tokyo from India.

"She did t train with any of Indian wrestlers. It appeared as if she had come with Hungary team and had thing to do with Indian contingent. One day her timing clashed with training timings of Indian girls and she chose t to train at same arena with m. This is t acceptable. This is t how senior wrestlers are supposed to behave," official added as reported by PTI. 

Apart from Vinesh Phogat, wrestler Sonam Malik has also been served with tice. As per PTI, 19-year old Sonam has been given a tice for misconduct.

"se kids think, y have become star wrestlers and are entitled to do anything. Before leaving for Tokyo eir Sonam or her family are supposed to collect ir passport from WFI office. But she ordered SAI officials to collect on her behalf. This is t acceptable. y have achieved thing and are showing attitude. This will t be accepted," official added.

Sonam also returned without a medal from her debut Olympics. 

Vinesh Phogat at Tokyo Olympics

wrestler tried her level best to keep her opponent pinned down on mat and find a place in semi-finals but double world champion was way too strong for her and final scoreline read in favor of Vanesa Kaladzinskaya 9-3. Vanesa, reigning European champion, executed her strategy perfectly as Vinesh could t find a way to wriggle out of Vanesa's headlocks. 

Even when Vinesh got behind Vanesa, she could t push her down on knees from a favourable position with Belarusian showing immense strength to keep her legs straight. Vinesh used all her might but Vanesa's defence would t crumble. Even famous double-leg attack that Vinesh has used to get herself into position to pin her rivals, did t result in points.

Before this bout, Vinesh had kcked out Rio Olympics bronze-winner and six-time world medallist Sofia Mattsson with a commanding 7-1 win. Vinesh had beaten Swede at 2019 World Championship as well. Every time Mattsson initiated a right-leg attack, Vinesh produced a splendid counter to score points.

(Im Credits: PTI)

(With Inputs: PTI)