Wrestler Satender Malik gets life ban for assaulting referee during CWG trials

During the 125kg final of the Commonwealth Games trials, wrestler Satender Malik allegedly attacked referee Jagbir Singh for a decision that went against him. The incident led to the Wrestling Federation of India banning the wrestler for life

In an unprecedented incident, Services' wrestler Satender Malik launched a physical assault on referee Jagbir Singh after losing the 125kg final during the Commonwealth Games trials, prompting the national federation to impose a life ban on him, here on Tuesday.

An incident of this magnitude has never taken place at an event organised by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) although clashes between the supporters of wrestlers have been witnessed in the past.

Jagbir Singh, later, filed an FIR at IP Estate Police Station against the wrestler.

The Air Force wrestler was leading 3-0 with just 18 seconds left in the deciding bout when Mohit effected a 'takedown' move and also pushed Satender out of the mat for another point.

However, referee Virender Malik did not award two points to Mohit for the 'takedown' move and gave only one point for the pushout.

The decision upset Mohit, who requested for a challenge.

Satyadev Malik, the jury for the bout, excused himself from the decision for the sake of impartiality, since he belonged to the Mokhra village from where Satender also comes.