Antim Panghal, the U20 World Champion wrestler, has opted to move to Delhi Court after Vinesh Phogat was announced to represent India in the 53kg division at the Asian Games 2023 on Tuesday.
The Wrestling Federation of India’s ad hoc committee announced that Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat will be sent to the Asian Games without competing in trial bouts.
Vikash Bhardwaj, Antim’s childhood coach, confirmed the development, telling The Bridge, “We are going to the high court and fighting this injustice. They are not even giving young wrestlers an opportunity to compete.”
The ad-hoc committee stated that they had selected wrestlers in the women’s 53 kg (Vinesh) and men’s 65 kg (Bajrang Punia) weight categories, and the winners of the trials in both weight categories will be kept on standby in the Asian Games squad.
“The selection of all weight categories is mandatory; however, the selection committee will have the discretion to select iconic players such as Olympic/World Championship medalists without trials if recommended by the chief coach/foreign expert,” according to the WFI report.
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Antim Panghal coach hits back
“This is unfair,” Vikas stated in response to the move. “There should be trials, and no one should be chosen at random. Antim is no novice; she has defeated wrestlers in her weight class and won medals in Asian Championships,” her coach added.
Antim Panghal made history last August when she became the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at the U-20 World Wrestling Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria.
On her debut, she went on to win gold at the National Games in Gujarat.
When Vinesh did not attend the Asian Championships earlier this year owing to a protest, Antim won another senior medal, this time a silver at the continental competition.
Antim had previously defeated Mongolia’s Khulan Batkhuyag, who had knocked out Vinesh Phogat at the World Championships.
Vikas, who has coached Antim for the past six years, believes that this move will shake her confidence after she has excelled at every level.
“Such decisions send a negative message to aspiring and young wrestlers. If such measures are permitted, many children will lose faith and confidence,” he concluded.
Antim Panghal, who is well-regarded by experts, will be disappointed by the absurd decision made by the Wrestling Federation of India’s ad hoc committee.
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