Delhi HC dismisses plea against WFI exemption to Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia from Asian Games selection trials

New Delhi [India]: The Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed the petitions moved by wrestlers, Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal, over the exemption given to wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad-hoc.

The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad on Saturday dismissed the petitions and upheld Indian Olympic Associations’ (IOA) decision permitting wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to represent India at the Asian Games without going through the trials.

Woman wrestler Antim Panghal through a video communication on Wednesday has raised questions over the exemption given to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad-hoc panel.
“A fair trial should be conducted,” she said.

Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal also through a video communication stated that Bajrang Punia was allowed to participate in World Championship without any trial.

“I just want that every wrestler should get an equal opportunity,” said Kalkal.

The 19-year-old Panghal belongs to Hisar, and 21-year-old Sujeet, who is getting training in Sonepat stated that trials should be held in a fair manner, without grating any exemption to any wrestler and the whole process be videographed.

In this series, 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.”