Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat have come under fire since the ad-hoc committee stated that wrestlers in 65kg men’s freestyle and 53kg women’s wrestling have been picked for the Asian Games 2023 without selection trials. Sakshi Malik’s allegations on a government call with a source confirming the similar approach to Ravi Dahiya also didn’t assist the duo’s cause.
With his younger brother under criticism, Harender Punia came out in favour of Bajrang on Friday, claiming he will never let the Olympic and Worlds medalist participate without first undergoing trials. “I will be the first to stop him if he ever tries to appear in a competition skipping the selection trials,” Harender told The New Indian Express.
Harender, three-year elder than Bajrang Punia, began wrestling first, and his younger sibling followed him a few years later. They trained together for at least five to six years before Harender dropped out due to financial difficulties. “Only one of us could have pursued wrestling and we decided Bajrang Punia should carry on with it,” he added.
Also Read: Ad-hoc panel member defends exemption to Vinesh & Bajrang from Asian Games 2023 wrestling trials
In response to Bajrang Punia’s direct participation into the Asian Games 2023, he stated, “Has the ad-hoc committee named him? If not, how can he clarify? The panel should make public that Bajrang has been selected then only he will react. I am in constant touch with him and even spoke to him on the issue. He said ‘I will only speak if the committee names me’. He has never asked for direct selection and this time also he will come back from Kyrgyzstan next month and appear in trials for Asiad. If he wins, he will go, otherwise he will not go.”
According to Harender, the Punia family’s life has been interrupted by the continuous shambles and blame game.
“We are all worried for Bajrang. The amount of criticism he has been receiving, I can understand how much he must be suffering now. But one thing is clear, he will never want any junior wrestler to suffer. The fight was not for him but it was for all the wrestlers including the upcoming ones. He will not let them down.”
Harender stated that if his younger brother uses unfair means, he will be the first to ask him to retire from wrestling. “They were told that they will get time to train and prepare for trials that’s why they have gone out of the country. Let him come back and participate in the trials. If he is worthy, he will go. If not, let another wrestler, who deserves a place in the squad go,” signed off Harender.
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