In a big shocker, Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat were given direct admission into the Asian Games by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad hoc panel, a decision that was allegedly made without consulting national coaches.
This has caused a rift and other wrestlers have stormed the panel and called the decision absolutely unfair.
The ad hoc committee has named Vinesh Phogat for the women’s 53 kg and Bajrang Punia for the men’s 65 kg wrestling events in its announcement of the weight divisions and eligibility requirements for the trials.
The wrestlers who triumph in these divisions during the trials will be put on the Asian Games team’s waiting list.
In an interview with media, wrestler Vishal Kaliraman said, “Even I play in the under 65kg category and for the Asian Games Bajrang Punia has been given direct entry without any trial. They have been staging a protest for a year now, while we have been practising. We appeal for a trial… We don’t want any favour or benefit. At least a trial should be conducted otherwise we are ready to go the court…We will appeal before the court. We’ve been practising for 15 years…If Bajrang Punia denies that he would not play in the Asian Games only then someone else will get a chance.”
The wrestler showed his disappointment and is also ready to move the matter to the court as the trials are mandatory part of selection criteria.
Another Indian ace wrestler, Antim Panghal has also objected to trial-free entry to Asian Games for Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia.
Her father has confirmed that they will approach Delhi High Court, challenging the ad-hoc panel’s decision on the grounds of discrimination and unfairness. Her father said that Antim only wants a fair trial without bias and prejudice.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Antim said, “The decision to give direct entry to Vinesh is unfair. I’ve been working hard for the past so many months for the Asian Games. We will speak to the officials of the ad-hoc panel; if they don’t agree to fair play, we might knock on the court’s doors or stage a dharna.”
It is to be noted that, Antim is India’s first wrestler to win the World U20 Gold Medal, which showcases her exemplary talent in her category.
Antim has also released a video statement stating, “Vinesh (Phogat) has been given direct entry for Asian Games despite not practicing for the past year. I won the gold medal in the 2022 Junior World Championship. Even in the Commonwealth Games trial, I had a 3-3 bout with her. Then too, I was cheated. I let it go and thought I would compete in Asian Games, but now they say Vinesh has been selected for the tournament. Is this the right way?”
“They are saying whoever goes to Asian Games will go for World Championship, and those who win World Championship will go for the Olympics. We have been working hard for so many years. What about that? Should I quit wrestling? On what basis is she being sent without trial? Even Sakshi Malik has not been selected? What is special about Vinesh that she got selected? All I want is a fair trial. I’m not saying that only I can defeat her, many women wrestlers out there can do so. They are going for the tournament, but tell me can they win medals in the future?” she added.
Recently, IOA ad-home Committee announced trial dates for wrestling.
The trials have been planned for July 22, for men’s Greco-Roman and women’s trials. On July 23, trials for the freestyle team will take place. The committee will conduct trials in 18 Olympic weight categories.
Notably, the circular issued by IOA noted they have already chosen wrestlers for the men’s freestyle 65 KG and women’s 53 KG categories.
However, the remaining six weight categories across the three styles of wrestling will take place as scheduled.
The circular did not mention the names of Vinesh and Bajrang, but speaking to PTI, member of the ad-hoc panel Ashok Garg confirmed that the two wrestlers had been exempted from the trials.
