Neha Sangwan Suspended for Weight Issues, Misses World Championship

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) - Wrestler Neha Sangwan, who recently faced disqualification from the U20 World Championships due to exceeding weight limits, has been suspended for two years and dropped from the senior World Championships squad in light of "consistent weight management issues," announced the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Neha, from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, had been scheduled to participate in the 59kg weight class at the Championships in Samokov, Bulgaria. However, she was found to exceed the weight limit by approximately 600 grams, leading to her disqualification and India's absence in that category.

During the event, India's women's team managed to secure seven medals, finishing in second place behind Japan. Neha was considered a strong contender for a medal and potentially could have contributed to India clinching the team championship with a gold medal performance.

Ultimately, India secured 140 points compared to Japan's 165. In the aftermath of the disqualification, WFI has selected Sarika Malik, the runner-up in the World Championship trials for the 59kg category, to replace Neha for the upcoming World Championships slated to occur in Zagreb, Croatia, from September 13-21.

A WFI official remarked, "This situation is unacceptable. Weight management is critical for a wrestler, and Neha's failure to meet requirements cost us a medal opportunity in Bulgaria. The government funds these events, with Rs 2-3 lakh spent on each wrestler. If a wrestler cannot manage their weight, another deserving athlete will be given the opportunity."

While Neha has been evolving into an impressive wrestler as she transitions from junior to senior levels, her weight management has been a concern. Last year, she secured a bronze medal at the U20 World Championship and has achieved three senior-level medals in the 57kg category this year.

In recent months, Neha has excelled at events such as the UWW Ranking Series Mongolia Open, where she dominated the 57kg category, and achieved a top finish in Yasar Dagu in June. She also obtained silver at the Ranking Series event in Budapest last month. However, the UWW Ranking Series allows a 2 kg weight tolerance, which benefited Neha in these competitions, but maintaining weight remains an issue.

An official recalled previous struggles, "Even at the U20 World Championship in Spain last year, Neha faced significant challenges in maintaining the appropriate weight. At this level, wrestlers understand what's required of them, and weight management falls under their responsibility. If they can't achieve it, participation is not possible."

When questioned if the decision seemed excessively harsh on a promising athlete like Neha, the WFI clarified, "This isn't taken lightly. While Neha is undoubtedly talented, without competition, the hard work becomes futile."