Aman Sehrawat Pleads WFI To Reconsider One-Year Ban: 'My First Mistake, I Will Not...'

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 23:44 IST

Aman Sehrawat urges Wrestling Federation of India to reconsider one-year ban for missing weight at the World Championships, citing illness and its impact on his Asian Games hopes.

Aman Sehrawat won Olympics bronze medal (PTI)

Paris Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Aman Sehrawat on Monday urged the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to reconsider the one-year ban imposed on him for failing to make weight at the World Championships in Zagreb.

During a felicitation event organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Sehrawat acknowledged his mistake in not making weight at the tournament last month.

He expressed his intention to meet WFI chief Sanjay Singh and request him to reconsider the decision.

“I will meet him (WFI chief) and request him. It is my first mistake, I will not repeat it," Sehrawat said after receiving a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for winning bronze in the 57kg category at the 2024 Paris Games.

In a letter dated September 23, 2025, the WFI issued a show-cause notice to Sehrawat seeking an explanation for the lapse. The federation stated that his response, submitted on September 29, was found “unsatisfactory" by its disciplinary committee.

Sehrawat explained that he could not continue his efforts to lose more weight due to a sudden stomach ache the day before the event.

“I started losing weight a week ago (before the event). When I had one day left, I kept 600-700 grams (extra). It was the last session at the gym. I had 600 grams left (to be reduced).

“I was doing practice and losing weight. At that time, I had only 600 grams (extra). But suddenly, I had a stomach problem, a stomach ache. Then I went straight to my room.

“I had a plan. I woke up at 4 am to practice. Then I had a stomach problem at night. I took some pills. It was still not getting better. I thought I would get better."

Just Wanted To Win

Sehrawat said this was the first time such a problem occurred in his career.

“I was preparing myself for gold. I defeated the gold medal winner a year ago. I defeated him 10-0. Everything was going well.

“But it (excess weight problem) happened. I was sad. I did not know what to do. I just wanted to win.

“My next event will be the Asian Championships (in April next year). I did not play in April (this year) as I had an injury. I hope to play in the Asian Championships in April (next year)."

Last Tuesday, the WFI suspended Sehrawat from all wrestling-related activities for one year, starting September 23.

The 22-year-old, who was a medal hope in the men’s freestyle 57kg category at the World Championships, was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 1.7kg on the day of competition.

Asked if the disciplinary committee will call him again, he said, “No, I have not been told anything.

“I will make a request to the WFI president. I have not spoken to him yet (after the ban imposed on him). I will meet him and try my best."

When asked if he plans to seek help from the Sports Ministry, he said, “Yes, we will do our best. We will make requests."

He noted that a one-year ban will impact his career with the Asian Games coming up in 2026.

“The main competitions coming up are Asian Games and World Championship (in 2026). The Asian Games are held once in four years and it’s my main target.

“Missing out on Asian Games will be a huge loss."

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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