Asian Games selection row: Delhi HC dismisses plea against exemption to Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia
Asian Games selection row: Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed petitions filed by wrestlers Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal challenging the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) ad-hoc exemption granted to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry for the Asian Games 2023.
On Saturday, a court headed by Justice Subramonium Prasad dismissed the petitions and upheld the Indian Olympic Associations' (IOA) decision to allow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games without passing through trials.
Wrestler Antim Panghal, in a video message on Wednesday, questioned the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad-hoc panel's exemption of wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023.
"A fair trial should be conducted," she stated.
Sujeet Kalkal, a wrestler, also revealed in a video communication that Bajrang Punia was allowed to compete in the World Championship without a trial.
"I just want every wrestler to have an equal opportunity," Kalkal remarked.
Panghal, 19, from Hisar, and Sujeet, 21, from Sonepat, both remarked that trials should be held in a fair manner, without granting any exemption to any wrestler, and that the entire process should be videotaped.
Wrestler Vishal Kaliraman stated in this series, "Even I play in the under 65 kg category, and for the Asian Games, Bajrang Punia has been given direct entry without any trial. They've been protesting for a year now, while we've been practising. We request a trial. We don't want any favours or advantages. At the very least, a trial should be held; else, we are prepared to go to court. We will file an appeal with the court. We've been working on this for 15 years. Only if Bajrang Punia denies that he will not compete in the Asian Games will someone else be given a chance."
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- ANI
