Antim Panghal, the current Under-20 World Champion in the 53 kg category, has expressed frustration over the decision made by the ad-hoc panel of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to grant Vinesh Phogat a direct entry into the Asian Games.

The ad-hoc panel, appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee the WFI until the next election, recently awarded direct entries to Bajrang Punia (65kg) and Vinesh Phogat (53kg) for the Asian Games. This decision has sparked controversy as both wrestlers have bypassed the trials that were supposed to be held for all weight categories and styles.

Vinesh, Bajrang, and Sakshi Malik were among the prominent wrestlers who protested against the outgoing WFI president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment. As a result, the IOA assumed control of the WFI until fresh elections are conducted.

However, Sakshi Malik and other protesting wrestlers, including Sakshi's husband Satyawart Kadiyan, Jitender Kinha, and Bajrang's wife Sangeeta Phogat, have not been granted the same exemption.

Antim Panghal, in a video statement, raised concerns about Vinesh Phogat's direct entry, highlighting her lack of recent achievements compared to her own successes. Antim won the U20 World Champion medal last year and secured a silver medal at the senior Asian Championship this year. On the other hand, Vinesh has not competed in any competitions this year and has been dealing with injuries.

Antim questioned the reasoning behind the special treatment given to Vinesh, urging for fair trials to be organized. She emphasized that there are several other talented wrestlers who could compete against Vinesh.

It is worth noting that Vinesh received the Asian Games entry as a result of her medal-winning performance at the World Championship last year. Currently training in Budapest, Hungary, Vinesh's inclusion has raised eyebrows due to the lack of recent competition and her injury history.

Antim also alleged favoritism towards Vinesh during the Birmingham Asian Games trials. She expressed disappointment at being overlooked and voiced her concerns about the future selection process. Antim and her fellow wrestlers have been training hard for years and questioned why their efforts were being disregarded.

In light of these frustrations, Antim even contemplated quitting wrestling, questioning the basis on which Vinesh was given the opportunity while others were overlooked.

The controversy surrounding Vinesh's direct entry into the Asian Games highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process. Antim Panghal's concerns shed light on the frustrations and challenges faced by wrestlers who have dedicated themselves to the sport and deserve a fair chance to represent their country on the international stage.

Vishal Kaliraman Raises Concerns Over Trial-Free Entry for Bajrang Punia in Asian Games

Amidst the controversy surrounding the direct entry given to Bajrang Punia in the Asian Games, wrestler Vishal Kaliraman has voiced his frustration. He questioned the decision and highlighted the need for trials to determine the rightful participants.

Speaking to ANI, Vishal expressed his discontent, saying, "I also compete in the under 65kg category, and Bajrang Punia has been granted a direct entry without any trial. While they have been protesting for a year, we have been diligently practicing. We appeal for a fair trial. We don't seek any favor or benefit. All we ask for is a fair chance. Otherwise, we are ready to seek justice through the court. We have been training for 15 years. Only if Bajrang Punia declines to participate, should someone else be given a chance."

In recent news, the IOA ad-hoc Committee has announced the dates for the Asian Games wrestling trials. The trials are scheduled for July 22nd for men's Greco-Roman and women's categories. On July 23rd, the freestyle team trials will take place. The committee will conduct trials across the 18 Olympic weight categories.

It's worth noting that the circular issued by the IOA mentioned the selection of wrestlers for the men's freestyle 65kg and women's 53kg categories has already taken place. However, the remaining six weight categories in the three styles of wrestling will proceed as scheduled. The circular did not specifically mention the names of Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. However, Ashok Garg, a member of the ad-hoc panel, confirmed that the two wrestlers had been exempted from the trials in a conversation with PTI.

Due to their involvement in protests against the former chief of WFI, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, both Vinesh and Bajrang refrained from participating in international tournaments. It remains unclear on what grounds Vinesh was allowed to participate in the Asian Games without undergoing trials, especially considering her recent performance lacked any noteworthy medals.

The controversy surrounding the direct entry of Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat into the Asian Games without trials raises questions about fairness and equal opportunities for other deserving wrestlers. The wrestling community eagerly awaits a resolution to this ongoing debate, hoping for a transparent and unbiased selection process.