'It is my first mistake': Olympic medallist Aman Sehrawat regrets ban after failing to make weight at World Championships

Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat has appealed to the Wrestling Federation of India to reconsider his one-year suspension for failing to make weight at the World Championships in Zagreb.During an Indian Olympic Association felicitation ceremony, Sehrawat acknowledged his mistake regarding the weight issue at last month's tournament.The wrestler plans to meet WFI chief Sanjay Singh to discuss the federation's decision."I will meet him (WFI chief) and request him. It is my first mistake, I will not repeat it," Sehrawat said, as quoted by PTI, after receiving a Rs 50 lakh cash award for his bronze medal in the 57kg category at the 2024 Paris Games.The WFI issued a show-cause notice to Sehrawat on September 23, 2025, requesting an explanation for the lapse. The federation's disciplinary committee found his September 29 response "unsatisfactory."Sehrawat explained that stomach pain prevented him from completing his weight reduction process: "I started losing weight a week ago (before the event). When I had one day left, I kept 600-700 grams (extra). It was the last session at the gym.

I had 600 grams left (to be reduced). I was doing practice and losing weight. At that time, I had only 600 grams (extra). But suddenly, I had a stomach problem, a stomach ache. Then I went straight to my room.

""I had a plan. I woke up at 4 am to practice. Then I had a stomach problem at night. I took some pills. It was still not getting better. I thought I would get better."I was preparing myself for gold. I defeated the gold medal winner a year ago.

I defeated him 10-0. Everything was going well. But it (excess weight problem) happened. I was sad. I did not know what to do. I just wanted to win."My next event will be the Asian Championships (in April next year). I did not play in April (this year) as I had an injury. I hope to play in the Asian Championships in April (next year)."The WFI suspended the 22-year-old wrestler from all wrestling activities for one year, effective September 23.

Sehrawat was disqualified from the World Championships after exceeding the weight limit by 1.7kg in the men's freestyle 57kg category.When asked about further communication with the disciplinary committee, Sehrawat mentioned he hasn't received any information."No. I have not been told anything. I will make a request to the WFI president. I have not spoken to him yet (after the ban imposed on him). I will meet him and try my best."Regarding potential assistance from the Sports Ministry, Sehrawat said, "Yes, we will do our best. We will make requests."The wrestler expressed concern about the ban's impact on his career, particularly regarding upcoming competitions."The main competitions coming up are Asian Games and World Championship (in 2026). The Asian Games are held once in four years and it's my main target. Missing out on Asian Games will be a huge loss," he concluded.