The story:
Image Source: Dynamitenews
Delhi HC to give verdict today. Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have been given direct entry to Asian Games without trial. The WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) has already selected these two wrestlers in the 65 kg (freestyle) and 53 kg (Women wrestling) for the Asian Games without any trials. The trials for all other categories will be conducted. For these categories, the trials will also be conducted and selected players will be kept in reserve.
The trials for all 18 categories will take place at the IG stadium on 22 and 23 July.
The back story & protest against WFI
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The wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were at the forefront of the wrestler’s protest against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh who has been accused of sexual assaultment by six female wrestlers. The wrestlers ended their protest after the chargesheet was filed on 25 June and returned to training. The wrestlers then asked for time to get back in shape. They had no time on the mat due to the protest.
The WFI decided to give special ‘one bout trial’ to the 6 wrestlers at the forefront of protest. But this decision was met with huge criticism and wrestlers too rejected it. Later WFI decided for trial exemption for the two wrestlers. Many wrestlers were unhappy with this decision too. Amit Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal had moved to Delhi High Court against this.
The point of contention & WFI policy
The WFI’s policy states that ‘iconic players’ are eligible for exemption from trials. While the selection trial in all other categories will be mandatory. “However, the Selection Committee will have the discretion to select the iconic players like medallists of Olympic / World Championship without trials provided recommendation by Chief Coach / Foreign Expert,” the guidelines state.
Punia won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and at the World Championship last year. Vinesh too was a medallist at the 2022 Worlds. This makes them eligible as iconic players.
It will be interesting to see how Delhi HC looks into the matter. If the court rejects the wrestlers plea and accepts WFI ad-hoc committee decision. This would mean the trials would continue as per the ad-hoc committee’s decision and the winners of the two trials in the exemption weight categories are named as reserves.
However, if the decision go otherwise and the plea is accepted. The winner of the trials in these categories too will be selected. The wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are already under the assumption of qualification. The trials are scheduled for 22 and 23 July and verdict on 22 July it would be practically impossible for them to qualify.
The decision will be much awaited. Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia may appeal too if the decision is against them.
