Several coaches, dad and mom of wrestlers demand withdrawal of exemption given to six wrestlers

The coaches and fogeys of a number of established and upcoming wrestlers on Friday demanded withdrawal of exemption granted to Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and three others from Asian Games and World Championships trials, saying the choice for these vital occasions must be truthful.

The IOA ad-hoc panel is drawing flak from the wrestling fraternity for handing out favours to 6 wrestlers, together with Bajrang’s spouse Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi’s husband Satywart Kadian and Jitender Kinha.

These six wrestlers staged a sit-in protest towards outgoing WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing a number of girls wrestlers.

Dayanand Kalkal, coach of fast-rising wrestler Sujeet, who’s rising as a worthy opponent to Bajrang in 65kg, fathers of kids Anshu Malik and Sonam Malik, and Vikas Bhardwaj, who coaches U-20 world champion lady wrestler Antim Panghal have denounced the IOA panel’s choice.

“I spoke to Mr Bhupender Singh Bajwa (head of WFI ad-hoc panel) and told him that this is not a good decision. Trials should be fair and without any bias. He listened to me and also assured that they will take back this exemption,” Kalkal informed PTI.

“He also said that the trials will be conducted by the new federation after July 11 elections. Let’s see what happens,” Kalkal added.
When PTI contacted Bajwa to know if he has made any such promise, he didn’t obtain calls or reply to textual content message.

While Vinesh and Bajrang are confirmed performers, what has irked the wrestling fraternity essentially the most is the exemption granted to Kinha, Sangeeta, Sakshi and her husband Satyawart.

“Jitender has not win a single trial in the last two years. How can you put him directly in final?” requested a Maharashtra wrestler, who didn’t want to be named.

Sakshi had struggled to beat up and coming Sonam Malik in a number of 62kg trials in current previous whereas Kinha has not been on the Indian crew in worldwide tournaments usually.

‘THESE ARE VERY IMPORTANT TOURNAMETS, BIAS IS NOT GOOD’

Dharmendra Malik, father of world championship silver medallist Anshu, mentioned it’s not an everyday trial, so much is at stake, so there isn’t a scope for any bias.

“Asian Games come after four years. The World Championship with Olympic qualification also comes after four years. These are no ordinary trials. Exempting these wresters from trials is absolutely wrong,” Dharmedra informed PTI.

“The protest was to just get justice and now they themselves are inflicting injustice on other wresters,” he mentioned.

“All should compete in full draw. All wrestlers are equals. And if there is a weak wrestler, he will become strong only after competing with the strong ones. Isn’t it?”

ASSURED ASIAN GAMES PARTICIPATION

Rajender Malik, father of Sonam Malik, who certified for the Tokyo Olympics, mentioned any wrestler who makes the hassle to win the trial must be assured participation in not less than Asian Games.

“What is the reward for profitable 4 bouts within the first trials? If they (IOA) have to provide additional time to 6 wrestlers, they’ll however any wrestler who’s profitable the primary trial must be assured that he’ll go to Asian Games. Later, if he wins the second trial, then she or he ought to go for World Championships additionally.

“Isn’t that fair? You tell me,” mentioned Rajender.

Bhardwaj, coach of Antim, who is an efficient competitors now for Vinesh, additionally criticised the IOA panel for exempting protesting wrestlers.
“This is wrong. We will protest against it. This is not acceptable,” mentioned Bhardwaj.