2023-07-18 17:13:30
New Delhi | Olympic medalist Bajrang Puniak and World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat direct entry to Asian Games. The decision was taken by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad hoc panel. Meanwhile, the IOA’s decision without seeking the approval of national coaches is sure to invite protests from other wrestlers and their coaches in this regard.
In a circular issued by the IOA ad hoc panel, it was stated that the selection has been conducted in the 65 kg freestyle men’s category and 53 kg women’s category of wrestling. Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat were not specifically mentioned in the circular but both were excluded from the trial, panel member Ashok Garg told the news agency.
The two stars have performed well in the 65kg and 53kg categories but have not competed in a single international tournament this year amid protests once morest Indian Wrestling Federation president and MP Brijbhushan Singh. Meanwhile, Sujeeth Kalakal and Antim Pangal have also given impressive performances in these categories. Antim, who was India’s first Under-20 World Champion last year, also won a silver medal in this year’s Senior Asian Championship. Sujeet is the current champion in the U-23 and U-20 categories. The panel did not consider other actors who participated in the protest once morest Brijbhushan Singh, such as Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyavarth Kathian, Jitender Kinha and Bajrang Punia’s wife Sangeeta Phogat.
The decision of the Olympic Association Ad Hoc Committee comes with just four days left for the trials to select the wrestling squad for the Asian Games. This year’s Asian Games will be held on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. Trials for Greco-Roman (60kg, 67kg, 77kg, 87kg, 97kg, 130kg), Women’s (50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, 76kg) and Men’s Freestyle (57kg) will be held on July 22. kg, 65 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg, 125 kg) trials are scheduled for July 23. The trials will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi.
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