Vinesh Phogat suspended by WFI for indiscipline, Sonam Malik handed notice for misconduct

In what comes as a shock, Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been temporarily suspended by the Wrestling Federation of India for indiscipline during her recent stint at the Tokyo Olympics. She has until August 16 to reply to the notice sent by WFI, where she has been alleged of being indisciplined on three counts.

PTI reports that Vinesh had travelled to Tokyo from Hungary but had refused to stay in the Olympic Village and had opted against training with the other Indian wrestlers. Also, she chose to wear gear sponsored by Nike instead of India's official sponsors Shiv Naresh.

As per a WFI source, Vinesh has been barred from all kinds of wrestling activities, as she cannot compete in any domestic or international event until she comes up with a reply and WFI takes the final call on the same. Furthermore, IOA pulled up WFI on its inability to control its wrestlers.

Officials from Tokyo said that Vinesh behaved as if she was with the Hungary team, not India. It was also noted that she had decided against living in a room adjacent to the other Indian wrestlers. At the same time, she also chose not to train with the Indians, citing that she might attract COVID.

Also, 19-year-old Sonam Malik was handed a notice for misconduct. According to officials, either Sonam or her family member was supposed to collect her passport from the WFI office. However, instead, she asked a Sports Authority of India official to do so, which was not acceptable. Both Vinesh and Sonam suffered pre-quarters defeat during the Games.

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