Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia exempted from selection trials, handed direct entries for Hangzhou Asian Games

Incidentally, WFI ad-hoc committee have allowed only Punia and Phogat direct entries but have not allowed any such provision for others.

In a controversial decision, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc panel on Tuesday granted direct entries into the Hangzhou Asian Games to Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia and reigning Asian Games champion Vinesh Phogat. The duo, who led the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, have been exempted from the selection trials in Delhi next week and picked them directly for the Asian Games squad.

According to reports, the IOA ad-hoc panel issued a circular that selections have already been made for the men's freestyle 65kg and women's 53kg categories but trials will be conducted for all six weight categories in each of the three wrestling styles.

PTI, however, quoted ad-hoc panel member Ashok Garg saying that Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have been exempted from the trials.

The trials for the Asian Games will take place at the KD Jadhav Stadium in New Delhi on July 22 and 23. However, Bajrang and Vinesh, who have been out of action for several months, have been exempted from the selection trials.

Reports have suggested that the ad-hoc body picked Bajrang and Vinesh, defending Asian Games champions, going by a 2017 Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) regulation.

Despite Bajrang and Vinesh's decent performances in their respective categories the players have found them in some controversy. They have not competed in any international tournament this year as they were protesting against the WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Moreover, Sujeet Kalakal and Antim Panghal have logged impressive performances in the same categories.

Antim had become India’s first U-20 World Champion last year and also won a silver medal at the senior Asian Championship this year. Sujeet too was not to be left behind. He is the current U-23 and U-20 Asian champion. He also won a bronze at the U-20 World Championship.

Ironically, the panel did not show the same amount of leniency to the other protesting wrestlers. The likes of Sakshi Malik, Satyawart Kadiyan, Jitender Kinha and Sangeeta Phogat are kept on the sidelines. Now it will be interesting to see where this matter goes.