One year suspension for an Olympic medallist – Aman Sehrawat
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has imposed a one-year suspension on The Paris Olympics bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat after he failed to meet the 57 kg weight requirement at the 2025 Senior World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. Sehrawat weighed 1.7 kg above the permissible limit during the official weigh-in and was disqualified before his first scheduled match.
Following the weigh-in failure, the WFI issued a show-cause notice to Sehrawat, seeking an explanation for exceeding the weight limit. Sehrawat submitted his response, citing health-related difficulties during the weight-cutting process. After reviewing the submission, the WFI disciplinary committee determined that the explanation was insufficient and upheld the penalty.
The one-year suspension is effective from September 23, 2025, and bars Sehrawat from participating in or being associated with any wrestling-related activity, both at the national and international levels, until 2026. As a direct consequence, Sehrawat will not be eligible to compete in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The federation emphasized that maintaining the prescribed weight limit is a professional obligation for all athletes, particularly at the elite level, and failure to do so disrupts team preparations for international competitions.
In sports like wrestling, weight categories are established to ensure fair competition between athletes with similar body mass. Competing outside the designated weight range can lead to safety risks, uneven matchups, and unfair advantages, which is why athletes and coaching staff devote a huge amount of time to carefully managing body weight through strict diet, training, and medical supervision. The WFI stressed that adherence to these standards is essential for the credibility and integrity of the sport.
It was requested by the WFI for detailed explanations from Sehrawat’s coaching staff regarding their supervision of his weight management. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that athletes remain within their designated weight category, and the federation noted that Sehrawat had sufficient preparation time before the competition to meet the requirement.
Aman Sehrawat, 22, gained recognition in the sport after winning the bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His Olympic medal made him as one of India’s leading wrestlers in the lighter weight categories. This suspension represents a temporary halt to his competitive career, affecting his participation in upcoming tournaments and India’s representation in the category at international events.
Sehrawat stated that he experienced complications during the weight-cutting process that contributed to his inability to meet the required limit. He indicated that he may seek to appeal the decision; however, the WFI stated that the suspension order is final and necessary
Weight management remains one of the most critical aspects of wrestling and other combat sports. Athletes are required to meet strict weight criteria to ensure safety, fairness, and compliance with international regulations. The WFI’s action emphasizes the importance of discipline, planning, and accountability in elite sports.
