Phoghat Sisters AXED From The National Camp, May Not go to 2018 Asian Games

Serious indiscipline charges have been imposed on the Phogat sisters as they have been absent from the on-going national camp in  Lucknow. All the four sisters Geeta, Babita, Ritu and Sangeeta have been absent from the camp and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has asked for an explanation. However, Babita said she is injured.

"The wrestlers selected for the national camp are expected to physically report to the camp within 3 days. If they have any problems or issues they should go there and report it to the coaches and find a solution. But Geeta, Babita and others (in all 13) did not do that. They were incommunicado. This is serious indiscipline on their part and the WFI felt it's time to pull the plug. So we have told them to sit at home and enjoy," said WFI chief Brij Bhushan Saran Singh.

The Phogat sisters could be banned from the Asian Games trial which is scheduled to happen later this month. Singh also hinted that they could be handed a lifetime ban if the four do not come up with a satisfactory explanation. "Let them first come to us and explain the reasons behind their actions. For now, they are out of the national camp," he said.

The federation's action against the wrestlers means that they could be barred from the Asian Games trials scheduled later this month. The Asian Games are scheduled to be held in August-September later this year in Indonesia.

When the news agency contacted Babita, she said she hasn't got any show-cause notice. "I didn't receive anything from the federation. Yes, I haven't joined that camp yet as I am recovering from injuries to both my knees. I admit I haven't informed the federation yet but I will send an application to them today itself, "Babita told PTI.

According to Babita, her sisters Ritu and Sangeeta were waiting for their visas to take part in a training camp in Russia. However, the  WFI rejected the claim. which was known to WFI, a claim which the federation outrightly rejected. Talking about Geeta, Babita said,  "Geeta is in Bangalore. I thought she has joined the camp. I am also going to Bangalore for my rehab at the JSW facilities." The national camp for men and women's national are being simultaneously conducted in Sonepat and Lucknow from May 10 to 25. Sakshi Malik's husband Satyawart Kadian is also barred by the WFI.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2018 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).