The Delhi High Court has sought the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) response to a plea challenging exemptions granted to wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for Asian Games trials. On July 20, Justice Subramonium Prasad heard wrestlers Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal’s plea and directed the WFI’s counsel to file an affidavit today while listing the case for tomorrow, July 21.
The wrestlers have challenged the Indian Olympic Association’s ad-hoc committee decision to grant an exemption to wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia in trials for men’s freestyle 65kg category and women’s 53kg category earlier this month.
The petitioners have sought that the trials are conducted in a fair manner without granting exemptions to any wrestlers. They have also sought that the whole process must be videographed. The court asked the WFI’s counsel to iterate on what basis the two wrestlers were granted an exemption, other than the fact they are good sportspersons.
“Have you any kind of selection process? Their entire case it seems is that there has to be some kind of trial. The petitioners do not doubt the competence or merit of the two wrestlers selected for representing the country. There is no doubt about it. What they say is that past performance alone cannot be basis for sending them,” the court said. “If it (the selection process) is just and reasonable, I won’t interfere,” the court told petitioners’ counsel.
The Rift Amongst Wrestlers
The WFI’s ad-hoc panel’s decision, made without consulting national coaches, has caused a rift and other wrestlers have stormed the panel and called the decision absolutely unfair.
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 a mandatory part of the 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.”
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. While the circular did not mention the names of Vinesh Phogat or Bajrang Punia, a member of the ad-hoc panel, Ashok Garg, confirmed that the two wrestlers have been exempted from the trials.
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