Vinesh Phogat sends apology to WFI, may still not be allowed to compete at Worlds
New Delhi, Aug 14: Suspended wrestler Vinesh Phogat has sent her apology to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which had barred her from competitions on grounds of indiscipline during the Tokyo Olympics but the parent body may still not allow her to compete in the upcoming World Championship.
Vinesh, who exited from the Tokyo Games following her shock quarterfinal defeat, was suspended by the WFI for not staying and training with her Indian teammates and for sporting the name of her personal sponsor on her singlet instead of the official sponsor of the Indian contingent.
A day after her suspension, Vinesh had revealed her physical and mental struggle during the Games where she did not have the services of her personal physio.
The 26-year-old on Friday replied to the notice sent to her by the WFI.
"WFI has received the reply and Vinesh has apologised," a source, aware of the developments, told PTI.
"But it is very much possible that despite apology, she may not still be allowed to travel to the World Championship," the sources added.
The WFI is not pleased with the way private sports NGOs like OGQ and JSW, who sponsor many Indian athletes, are handling the Indian wrestlers as it feels they are "spoiling" them.
The WFI has said that it will not allow them to interfere in the affairs of the senior wrestlers in future.
Vinesh is supported by OGQ while Bajrang Punia gets support from JSW.
It has also been learnt that Sonam Malik, who has apologised for her misconduct, may also be barred from appearing in the trials for the World Championship, scheduled to be held in Norway from October 2-10.
The WFI had accused Sonam (62kg) of misconduct as she sought help from SAI officials for procuring her passport from the WFI office before leaving for Tokyo.
The trials are expected to be held in the last week of this month.
The source also added that Divya Kakran, who was also served a notice for misconduct three months back, may also be barred from appearing in the trials. She competes in the 68kg category.
The WFI will decide on the fate of the three wrestlers either on Monday or Tuesday.
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UAE issues fresh emergency alert, says situation currently safe
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Residents and visitors across the United Arab Emirates received a fresh emergency alert on their mobile phones stating that the situation in the country is currently safe.
The message, issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI), thanked people for their cooperation and reassured them that conditions were stable.
“Thank you for your cooperation. We reassure you that the situation is currently safe. You may resume your normal activities while continuing to remain cautious and take the necessary precautions, and to follow official instructions. (MOI),” the alert read.
The notification was sent in both Arabic and English through the country’s emergency alert system.
The advisory comes after earlier alerts warning of potential missile threats amid rising regional tensions. Authorities have urged the public to stay cautious and follow official guidance.
