Delhi HC dismisses plea by wrestlers against exemption granted to Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia for Asian Games trials

Phogat (53kg) and Punia (65kg) were given direct entry for the Asian Games by the Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc committee on Tuesday.

Updated on: Jul 22, 2023, 18:30:57 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Delhi High Court on Saturday rejected the petitions filed by wrestlers Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal, challenging the exemption granted to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad-hoc.

Justice Subramonium Prasad's bench dismissed the petitions on Saturday and upheld the decision of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to allow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to represent India at the Asian Games directly.

On Wednesday, wrestler Antim Panghal voiced her concerns through a video communication, questioning the exemption granted to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for their direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad-hoc panel.

In a video communication, wrestler Sujeet Kalkal also asserted that Bajrang Punia was permitted to participate in the World Championship without undergoing any trial. Both 19-year-old Panghal and 21-year-old Sujeet emphasized the importance of conducting trials in a just and equitable manner, advocating against granting any exemptions to wrestlers. They further suggested that the entire process should be recorded on video for transparency.

With regard to this issue, wrestler Vishal Kaliraman said, "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 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 to 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."

(With inputs from agencies)

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