CWG Gold Medallist Punam Yadav Suspended For Indiscipline

Indian weightlifter Punam Yadav, a gold medallist in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast, has been provisionally suspended by the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF). She is charged with indiscipline, and has been banned from attending the national camp at the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports in Patiala, The Tribune reported.

Punam, who picked a gold in the women’s 69 kg category at Gold Coast, has reportedly been breaking the rules. A complaint was lodged at the IWF by the national coach Vijay Sharma claiming that she had left the camp twice without seeking permission.

After which a show-cause notice was issued. When the notice too failed to deter her a suspension letter was issued on April 26, 2018. IWF officials wrote in a statement, “Despite being categorically told not to leave the camp to keep in line with the discipline and decorum of the national camp.”

In her suspension letter, IWF also slammed Yadav for breaching the federation’s code of conduct.

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The suspension may cause harm for the 22-year-old’s in selection for the Asian Games, slated to be held in Jakarta-Palembang from August 18.

“She has worked hard in training in the last three-four years, but if she continues to miss the camp, it will be very difficult for her to make a comeback,” IWF Secretary General Sahdev Yadav told The Tribune while mentioning that they are finding it hard to fill Punam’s position in the 69 kg category.

READ:All Indian Women Who Shone At CWG 2018

Earlier, last month the gold medallist was injured during a visit at her home in Varanasi just days after her return from the Gold Coast. She was reportedly hit with bricks and stones. The attack was the fallout of an old land dispute between a relative of the sportsperson and a neighbouring village head.

Feature image Credit: Amar Ujala

Also Read: Does India take its sportswomen seriously?

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