KOCHI: Indiscipline has been the scourge that has been afflicting Indian wrestling of late. Close on the heels of overweight and defiance, another case of a grappler overshooting his weight has come as a major embarrassment. On Friday, Greco-Roman wrestler Gurpreet Singh overshot the scales by 500gm.
The episode of Vinesh Phogat missing out on an opportunity to contest at a qualifying event in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, last month is still fresh in Wrestling Federation of India’s mind. And this time, they are not taking it lying low.
There have been fundamental issues that are plaguing wrestlers, one of them being leniency shown by the federation during training-cum-selection camps in India. The WFI gives relaxation up to around 2kg, which according to some is not working. Only when wrestlers go for international events do they try and reduce weight. Perhaps, the federation needs to look into this policy at the earliest.
The news of another grappler missing out due to overweight has not amused the federation at all. Some top officials have already made up their mind to penalize the grappler if found guilty. “This is complete indiscipline,” VN Prasood, WFI secretary, told Express.
“We will serve show-cause notice to the wrestler and the coach. Though we were not expecting much from the wrestler, it still shows a complete lack of commitment from his part.”
The secretary also said if they find the grappler defied instructions of the coach, then they will definitely ban him. “We cannot tolerate this, especially when we have committed junior players. If we ignore this, then the juniors too will be influenced. We can’t let that happen.”
The federation also pointed out that the wrestler has been with the team in practising in Georgia, and had competed in the last qualifier as well.
Just a few days ago, WFI handed temporary suspensions to four wrestlers — Geeta Phogat (58kg), Babita Kumari (53kg), Sumit (125kg freestyle) and Rahul Aware (57kg freestyle). Geeta, Babita and Sumit for forfeiting their matches, and Aware for fleeing from the camp without intimating authorities.
Though Prasood was not too keen on revealing WFI’s decision on the leniency issue, he did say that something needs to be done. “We will review our decision, and most probably might do away with the leniency part. If this is causing problems, we must act.”
Greco-Roman failure
Indian Greco-Roman wrestlers failed to make a mark at the 2nd World Qualifying tournament being held in Istanbul, Turkey. This being the last qualification event for the Rio Olympics, it was the end for Greco-Roman wrestler
Weight Issues
Vinesh Phogat (48kg) was seen as one of the best bets for India, but at the 1st World Olympic Qualification event, last month, the CWG gold winner was disqualified for being overweight. The 21-year-old was found to be 400 grams above limit. She was let off with a stern warning.
Four-for Ban
Vinesh’s cousins Geeta Phogat (58kg) and Babita Kumari (53kg), along with Sumit (125kg freestyle) and Rahul Aware (57kg freestyle) were handed bans for indiscipline soon after. While Geeta, Babita and Sumit were punished for forfeiting matches at the same event, Aware was handed a ban for fleeing from a camp without informing.
In a fix
Wrestlers have been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons of late. Express takes a look at some major talking points...
(Inputs from Chennai).