'It is my first mistake, will not repeat it...': Aman Sehrawat urges WFI to reconsider ban on him, admits mistake

India's Paris Olympics bronze medalist wrestler Aman Sehrawat has requested the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to reconsider the one-year ban imposed on him after he failed to make weight at the World Championships in Zagreb.

During a felicitation programme organised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Sehrawat admitted that he committed a mistake by not making weight at the premier tournament last month.

He further stated that he will meet WFI chief Sanjay Singh and implore him to reconsider 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 after he was felicitated with a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for winning bronze in the 57kg category at the 2024 Paris Games.

In a letter which was dated September 23, 2025, the Wrestling Federation of India issued a show-cause notice to the Indian grappler for seeking an explanation for the lapse. The federation found that his response was "unsatisfactory" by the disciplinary committee.

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Why did Sehrawat fail to make weight at the World Championships in Zagreb?

Sehrawat said he "could not continue his effort" to lose more weight due to a stomach ache that developed suddenly a day before the event.

"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."

Aman further stated that this is the first time he has faced this problem in his career so far.

"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)."

Aman Sehrawat's one-year suspension started on September 23. The 22-year-old was one of India's medal contenders in the men's freestyle 57kg category in the World Championships, but he was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 1.7kg on the day of competition.

Asked if the disciplinary committee will call him again, he said, "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."

When asked if he plans to seek help from the Sports Ministry, he said, "Yes, we will do our best. We will make requests."