In a startling turn of events within Indian wrestling, Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat has seen a dramatic reversal of his fortunes. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has officially revoked the one-year ban that had been imposed on him following a weight management violation.
The Ban: What Happened
Aman, who secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the men’s freestyle 57 kg category, was expected to be a strong contender at the subsequent World Championships. However, during the 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, he failed to make the required weight—reportedly over by approximately 1.7 kg—and was disqualified before his opening bout.
Following this incident, the WFI issued him a show-cause notice and subsequently imposed a one-year suspension, beginning 23 September 2025.
This punitive action sent shock-waves given his Olympic status and raised serious questions about his preparations and the weight-management protocols on his coaching/support team.
The Revocation: Why the Reversal
On 14 November 2025, WFI announced that Aman’s suspension has been lifted.
The decision came after a meeting of the WFI’s disciplinary committee (on 13 November) which reviewed his written submission, acknowledged the violation as a first lapse, and considered his prior international performance record.
The WFI President, Sanjay Kumar Singh, said:
“Yes, we have decided to lift the suspension as this was their first lapse … they have committed that there won’t be any more such lapses and they will be careful in the future.”
However, the lifting comes with a stern caveat: any repeat offence, especially regarding weight issues or disciplinary breaches, will be met with “stricter disciplinary action”.
Significance & Implications
- For Aman’s career: The revocation restores his eligibility for domestic and international competitions, including being available for selection for forthcoming key events. Missing out due to the ban would have been a severe setback for someone of his calibre.
- For Indian wrestling: Having a medal-winner sidelined was a blow to India’s freestyle aspirations. With Aman back in the mix, the team’s morale and competitiveness are bolstered.
- On weight-management discipline: The incident highlights the critical importance of weight protocols in wrestling, especially for elite athletes. Even Olympic medallists are not immune to scrutiny and action.
- Governance message: The WFI’s decision underscores a balancing act—holding athletes accountable while recognizing past achievements and offering second chances, albeit conditionally.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Aman
With the suspension lifted, Aman can turn his full focus back to performance. Key points to watch:
- Weight regulation compliance: The incident underlines the need for strict adherence to weight targets, and the support team (coaches, nutritionists, managers) will face heightened scrutiny.
- Selection and competition readiness: He will likely aim to reestablish his form ahead of major events (e.g., Asian Games, World Championships) and avoid any disruptions that could hamper his trajectory.
- Accountability and monitoring: Given the WFI’s warning, it is likely that his training and competition schedule will come under closer oversight, and future lapses might carry more severe consequences.
Conclusion
Aman Sehrawat’s journey over the past months has been emblematic of the fine margins in elite sports—where a momentary oversight (in this case, failing to make weight) can have far-reaching consequences. The revocation of his one-year ban by the WFI presents both a relief and a renewed opportunity, but also a stark reminder of the precarious nature of high-performance sport. As he returns to action, the wrestling fraternity will expect him to match his Olympic-winning potential with consistent professionalism and discipline.
