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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.

Aman Sehrawat's journey to Olympic glory is a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. Hailing from humble beginnings, the 21-year-old wrestler overcame adversity to become India's youngest Olympic medalist.Growing up in a financially challenged household, Aman's parents passed away when he was young. His uncle took him and his sister under his care, but life remained difficult. Undeterred, Aman found solace in wrestling at the Chhatrasal Stadium.His rise to prominence was meteoric. Within two years, he became the country's first U23 world champion and secured an Olympic berth by defeating his idol, Ravi Dahiya. However, as the Paris Games approached, nerves crept in.On the day of his competition, Aman faced immense pressure. He knew the eyes of his nation were upon him. But he drew strength from his past struggles and focused on the task at hand.In his first bout, he comfortably defeated Vladimir Egorovy. However, his next opponent was the formidable Zelimkhan Abakarov, who had beaten him at the world championships. Determined to prove himself, Aman devised a strategy to keep the bout close.His plan worked. He upset Abakarov 12-0, setting up a semi-final clash with Japan's Rei Higuchi. Despite a strong start, Aman lost focus and was defeated.Undeterred, he shed 3.5kg overnight to make weight for the bronze medal bout. With a clear mind, he approached the match as just another competition. He dominated Puerto Rico's Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to secure a podium finish.Upon his return to India, Aman was greeted as a hero. His village, academy, and fans celebrated his achievement. He realized the true magnitude of his accomplishment and the joy it brought to his community.Aman's success is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized through hard work and perseverance. His journey inspires countless young athletes to strive for greatness and to never give up on their aspirations.

Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic gold medal in Paris, is reportedly considering a foray into politics. Sources close to her have hinted at the possibility of her contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.Despite her previous statements that she would not pursue active politics, Vinesh has reportedly been approached by several political parties eager to secure her support. The wrestler's impressive performance at the Olympics, where she was disqualified from the final due to being overweight, has garnered significant attention and made her a potential political asset.Vinesh's return to India was met with a rousing welcome, with Congress MP Deepender Hooda and other family members garlanding her at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, the party she intends to join remains uncertain.Sources close to the Phogat family have suggested that Vinesh could potentially face off against her cousin, Babita Phogat, in the Haryana Assembly elections. Additionally, Bajrang Punia and Yogeshwar Dutt, two other prominent wrestlers, may also contest the elections.Vinesh's decision to consider politics has sparked speculation about her future in wrestling. In a recent social media post, she hinted at a possible return to the sport, despite her earlier decision to retire after the Paris Olympics disqualification.The wrestler's disqualification from the gold medal match due to weight issues has raised questions about the challenges faced by female athletes in India. Vinesh has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has used her platform to highlight the need for better support and opportunities for female athletes.As Vinesh weighs her options, her fans and supporters eagerly await her decision on both her political and sporting future. Her potential entry into politics could have a significant impact on the Haryana Assembly elections and the broader landscape of Indian politics.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal against her disqualification from the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024. In a detailed 24-page verdict, CAS described the United World Wrestling's (UWW) rules for punishing athletes who fail the second-day weigh-in as "draconian" but ultimately upheld the decision to disqualify Phogat.Phogat had cleared the weigh-in process on the first day of her event but was found 100gm overweight on the second day, the day of her gold medal bout. As per UWW rules, wrestlers must clear the weigh-in on both days of the competition. While the UWW allows a 2kg weight tolerance in many international competitions, there is no such buffer at the Olympics.In her appeal, Phogat argued that she should be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the summit clash following her disqualification. However, CAS dismissed her appeal, stating that it was Phogat's responsibility to ensure she was under the permissible limit during both days of the competition.CAS acknowledged that the consequences of failing the second weigh-in were severe, but it emphasized that Phogat had voluntarily entered the 50kg weight category and was aware of the weight requirements. The court also noted that Phogat had previously competed under the UWW rules and had not raised any concerns about the weight requirements.Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics was a major disappointment for India, as she had become the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. Her stunning victory over legendary Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki had raised hopes of a medal, but her disqualification shattered those dreams.Despite the CAS ruling, Phogat has received a hero's welcome upon her return to India. Her performance at the Olympics has inspired many young wrestlers and demonstrated her resilience and determination.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has released the detailed verdict of the sole arbitrator, Annabelle Bennett, who dismissed Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a silver medal after her disqualification for being overweight in the weigh-in before the final at the Paris Olympics.Bennett acknowledged the persuasiveness of the Indian side's arguments but emphasized that the clear-cut rules left no room for leeway. The rules state that wrestlers must remain eligible throughout the competition, from entry to the finals. Failure to do so results in elimination without ranking.Vinesh, who won three bouts to reach the final, was marginally overweight at the mandatory second weigh-in the next morning before the gold medal bout. She argued that the excess weight was due to factors such as the menstrual cycle, water retention, and insufficient time to reduce her weight due to travel.However, Bennett noted that the rules are clear and do not allow for any tolerance. Athletes are responsible for ensuring they remain below the weight limit.Vinesh's appeal for a shared silver medal was also dismissed as it was not within the arbitrator's power. The UWW rules state that once a wrestler becomes ineligible during the competition, the consequences of elimination without ranking apply.Bennett expressed sympathy for Vinesh's situation, calling the disqualification rule "draconian." She suggested that a fairer solution would be to eliminate the wrestler from the round for which they were found ineligible, rather than the entire competition.The detailed verdict provides insights into the UWW's weigh-in rules and the consequences of failing to meet the weight limit. It highlights the importance of athletes adhering to the regulations and the challenges they may face in maintaining their weight during competitions.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld its decision to disqualify Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics final due to being overweight. In a detailed ruling, the CAS stated that athletes are solely responsible for ensuring they remain below the weight limit, with no exceptions allowed.Phogat's disqualification stemmed from being 100 grams overweight on the morning of the women's 50kg freestyle final. She had appealed the decision, arguing that the excess weight was minimal and could be attributed to factors such as water retention. However, the CAS rejected her appeal, citing the clear rules regarding weight limits."The Rules are clear as to the weight limit and are the same for all participants. There is no tolerance provided for - it is an upper limit. It does not even allow for the weight of the singlet. It is clearly up to an athlete to ensure that they remain below that limit," the CAS stated.Phogat's disqualification sparked controversy, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressing disappointment. However, the CAS emphasized that the rules are impartial and must be adhered to by all athletes.In her appeal, Phogat had requested a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the final after Phogat's disqualification. The gold medal was won by American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.The CAS's decision serves as a reminder to athletes of the importance of adhering to weight limits and the consequences of exceeding them. It also highlights the impartial nature of the CAS in upholding the rules of sports.