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Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High CourtWrestler Bajrang Punia has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The suspension stems from Punia's refusal to provide a urine sample for a dope test during selection trials in March.Punia's counsel argued that the suspension is arbitrary and violates his fundamental rights. He claimed that NADA failed to follow proper testing protocols and that Punia had legitimate reasons for refusing the test. The counsel also highlighted the upcoming Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania and urged the court to grant an interim relief to allow Punia to participate.NADA's counsel defended the suspension, stating that a disciplinary panel is investigating the matter and that Punia is not being targeted. The counsel emphasized that athletes cannot refuse dope tests and that NADA is committed to ensuring fair play.The court questioned Punia on his refusal to submit a sample, highlighting the importance of testing for the integrity of the sport. However, the court also acknowledged Punia's concerns and directed NADA to file a response to the petition.Punia's suspension has sparked controversy, with many questioning the timing and fairness of the decision. The wrestler has been a vocal critic of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and has alleged sexual harassment by its former chief.The outcome of the court case will have significant implications for Punia's career and the future of anti-doping in Indian sports.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has made startling revelations about her meeting with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA), following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a failed weigh-in.Phogat, who was admitted to a poly-clinic in the Olympics village after falling ill, claims that PT Usha's visit and subsequent social media post were insincere and exploitative. She alleges that Usha did not offer any meaningful support during her time of distress."I don't know what support I got there," Phogat said in an interview with a local news channel. "PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked... Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That's why I was heartbroken."Phogat, who recently joined the Indian National Congress, expressed her disappointment with Usha's decision to share the photo on social media, claiming that it was a mere publicity stunt."You are on a hospital bed, where you don't know what's happening in life outside, you are going through one of the worst phases of your life. At that place, just to show everyone you are standing with me, aap bina bataye photo kheench rahe ho, fir social media pe daal ke bol rahe ho hum saath mein khade hain (clicked a photo without telling me and then putting it on social media to say you are standing with me)," Phogat said."That's not how you show support (pretending to). What was it more than (posturing)!"Phogat's allegations have raised questions about the integrity and transparency of the IOA and its leadership. Her claims have also sparked a debate about the treatment of athletes in India, particularly those who face setbacks or controversies.

Former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has resigned from her position as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Indian Railways, citing personal reasons. The resignation comes amid speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the upcoming Haryana assembly elections.Phogat, 30, is a renowned wrestler who has won numerous medals at the international level, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships. She was disqualified from the 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams, a decision that she appealed against but was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.In her resignation letter, Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Indian Railways for the opportunity to serve the nation. She stated that she was unable to perform her duties as OSD due to family circumstances and personal reasons. She requested that her resignation be accepted with immediate effect and that one month's salary be deposited in lieu of her one month's notice period.Phogat's resignation has sparked speculation that she may join the Congress party and contest the Haryana assembly elections next month. She met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, leading to widespread rumors of her political ambitions.If Phogat does join the Congress party, it would be a significant boost for the party's campaign in Haryana. She is a popular figure in the state and has a strong following among the youth. Her decision to enter politics could also inspire other athletes to consider a career in public service.

Sangram Singh, India's pioneering male wrestler and former ambassador of the Wrestling Federation of India, is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career. On September 21, he will step into the octagon at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, to face Ali Raza Nasir of Pakistan.This momentous occasion marks Singh's transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts (MMA), a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Singh envisions a future where Indian athletes excel on the global MMA stage and have ample opportunities to develop their careers."My journey from wrestling to MMA isn't just for me," Singh said. "I hope to build the sport in India and pave the way for our young fighters to compete internationally. I want to inspire them to believe that with hard work and determination, they too can achieve greatness."Singh's foray into MMA is not merely a personal pursuit but also a strategic move to elevate the sport in India. He believes that MMA has the potential to revolutionize combat sports, including boxing and wrestling."As a sportsman, it's essential to stay abreast of the latest trends in the sport," Singh explained. "MMA is gaining immense popularity worldwide, and I see it having a significant impact on the entire combat sports landscape."Singh's impressive wrestling credentials have earned him accolades both nationally and internationally. His transition to MMA is expected to further enhance the stature of Indian athletes in the global combat sports community.Growing up, Singh was inspired by his brother's wrestling prowess. Despite being diagnosed with arthritis, he overcame adversity to become a world-renowned wrestler. In 2012, he was crowned the World's Best Professional Wrestler, and he also triumphed in the 2015 and 2016 Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships.Throughout his career, Singh has been a role model and motivator for countless young people. His success in wrestling and his subsequent transition to MMA demonstrate his unwavering determination and his commitment to promoting combat sports in India.

Sakshi Malik, one of India's most celebrated women wrestlers, is set to release her highly anticipated memoir, "Witness," in October. Co-authored by Jonathan Selvaraj and published by Juggernaut Books, the book promises an "honest account" of Malik's life, both on and off the mat.From her humble beginnings in Rohtak to her historic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Malik's memoir chronicles her journey with raw honesty. She delves into the challenges she faced as a woman wrestler in India, including body image issues, financial struggles, and the complexities of dating.Malik also sheds light on the inner workings of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), revealing the recent public battle that played out on the streets of New Delhi. Her insights into the world of women's wrestling in India are both fascinating and eye-opening."It's a really honest account of my life - the highs, lows, and everything in between," Malik says of her literary venture. "I gave this book my all and I hope readers like it."Chiki Sarkar, publisher of Juggernaut Books, describes "Witness" as "one of the great memoirs of our time." She adds, "Sakshi has written a no-holds barred book that not only talks about her struggles with the WFI but also brings vividly alive her childhood, the world of wrestling, and what it takes to be an Olympic medalist."Malik's memoir is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of sports, women's empowerment, and the human journey.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President, Sanjay Singh, has expressed optimism about India's potential to win multiple medals in women's wrestling at the 2028 Olympic Games. However, he emphasized the need for certain institutions to cease interfering in the federation's operations.Despite the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) lifting its suspension of WFI in February, the Indian Sports Ministry continues to keep the federation suspended. The suspension was imposed in December 2022 following the announcement of U-15 and U-20 Nationals hours after the election of Sanjay Singh as President.Singh believes that if WFI is allowed to function independently, India can achieve significant success in women's wrestling. He pointed to the recent triumph of India's U17 women's team at the World Championships, where five wrestlers emerged as world champions.Singh also urged Vinesh Phogat to reconsider her retirement decision. Phogat announced her retirement after failing to medal at the Paris Olympics due to a weight disqualification. Singh believes that Phogat's experience and inspiration would be invaluable to the next generation of wrestlers.Reflecting on the wrestlers' movement in 2023, Singh acknowledged that it has taught WFI a valuable lesson. He believes that the movement, which was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment against the then WFI president, was politically motivated and hindered India's Olympic performance.Singh emphasized the importance of separating wrestling from politics and announced plans to establish a wrestling academy in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He is optimistic that the academy will foster the development of young wrestlers and contribute to India's future success in the sport.

Indian wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who made history by becoming the youngest-ever individual Olympic medallist from India at the recently-concluded Paris Olympic Games, fulfilled a dream by meeting Dilip Joshi, the lead actor from the popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmah.Sehrawat, who won a bronze medal in the men's 57kg freestyle wrestling category, had expressed his admiration for the show after his victory. Just days after the conclusion of the Games, he had the opportunity to meet 'Jethalal' (Dilip Joshi) in person. To the delight of fans on social media, Joshi presented Sehrawat with traditional Gujarati snacks, jalebi and fafda."When I am not wrestling, I love to watch 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'," Sehrawat had said after winning the bronze medal in Paris.Sehrawat's journey to the podium was not without its challenges. He defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz 13-5 in the bronze medal match after losing against Japanese top-seed Rei Higuchi 0-10 in the semifinal. Despite the setback, Sehrawat remained determined to make history."I would like to thank all the citizens of the country for their support at the Paris Olympics," Sehrawat said. "However, I was not able to bring a gold medal to the country, but my next target is the Los Angeles Olympics. I will give my 100 percent to change the color of the medal. Next time, I will definitely bring back a gold medal."Sehrawat's bronze medal is the eighth Olympic medal for India in wrestling, extending its bid as the second most successful sport for the country in the Olympics behind hockey. His performance has inspired a new generation of wrestlers and has brought pride to the nation.

Indian women wrestlers have made a remarkable impact at the Under-17 World Championships, with four athletes securing spots in the title contention. Aditi Kumari, Neha, Pulkit, and Mansi Lather have showcased their dominance in their respective weight categories.Aditi Kumari, competing in the 43kg division, displayed exceptional skills in her victories over Ukraine's Karolina Shperyk and Egypt's Marriem Mohamed Abdelaal. She advanced to the semifinals with an impressive 8-2 win, setting up a thrilling encounter with Maria Louiza Gkika from Greece in the final.In the 57kg category, Neha has been unstoppable, not conceding a single point in her path to the semifinals. She pinned her Greek opponent Mairi Mani and secured a technical superiority victory against Georgia's Miranda Kapanadze. Neha's impressive run continued with an 8-4 triumph over Kazakhstan's Anna Stratan, earning her a spot in the final against Japan's So Tsuitsui.Pulkit, competing in the 65kg division, has also been a force to reckon with. She dominated China's Ling Cai with a 'win by fall' and followed it up with a commanding 9-0 victory against Juliana Catanzaro. Pulkit's dominance extended to her match against Egypt's Maram Ibrahim Aly, whom she blanked 3-0 to secure her place in the gold-medal bout. She will face Daria Frolova of Ukraine on Thursday.Mansi Lather has been equally impressive in the 73kg category, conceding only two points throughout her journey to the final. She defeated Lotta Englich, Piper Meredith Fowler, and Khrystyna Demchuk with ease, setting up a showdown with Hanna Pirskaya in the title match.In the Greco-Roman bronze medal play-off, Ronak, ranked second in the world, showcased his skills by comfortably defeating Turkey's Emrullah Capkan 6-1. This victory marked India's first medal at the championship. Sainath Pardhi added to India's tally by beating Kazakhstan's Mussan Yerassyl in the 51kg bronze play-off.The Indian women wrestlers' exceptional performances at the Under-17 World Championships have brought pride to the nation and showcased the rising talent in the sport. Their determination and hard work have paved the way for potential gold medals and further success in the future.

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak despite her valiant efforts. After reaching the final of the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh was disqualified due to a failed weigh-in by a mere 100 grams. The devastating news shattered the hopes of the entire nation, which had pinned its hopes on her for a medal.Vinesh's disqualification sparked outrage and disappointment, leading her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). However, the verdict went against her, further dampening her spirits. Despite the bitter turn of events, Vinesh's determination and resilience have earned her the admiration and respect of her countrymen.While Vinesh may not have officially secured a medal in Paris, her performance has significantly boosted her brand value. According to the Economic Times, her fee for endorsement deals has skyrocketed, reflecting her increased popularity and marketability. Before the Olympics, Vinesh reportedly charged around INR 25 lakh per deal. However, she now commands a fee in the range of INR 75 lakh to 1 crore from a single brand.Vinesh's success has also inspired other Indian athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, returned home with a silver medal from Paris. Despite failing to repeat his gold medal performance, Chopra's brand value has soared by 30-40%, reaching an estimated USD 40 million or INR 330 crore.Manu Bhaker, another Indian shooting sensation, bagged two bronze medals in Paris. Her impressive performance has led to a surge in her brand value, resulting in a lucrative INR 1.5 crore deal with ThumbsUp. Before the Olympics, Manu charged around INR 25 lakh per endorsement deal. However, her Olympic success has seen her fee increase by six times.The success of Vinesh, Neeraj, and Manu has not only brought glory to India but has also had a positive impact on the sports industry. Their achievements have inspired young athletes and ignited a passion for sports in the hearts of millions of Indians.