NEW DELHI: In a recent turn of events, a group of protesting wrestlers has vehemently denied seeking any favoritism from the ad-hoc panel of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). These wrestlers, who faced opposition from fellow grapplers over alleged exemption from trials at the Asian Games, went as far as to state that they would quit wrestling if such claims were proven true.
Yogeshwar Dutt, a respected former wrestler and current BJP leader, expressed his doubts about the ad-hoc panel's decision and even questioned whether these wrestlers were agitating against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief to gain preferential treatment. Dutt urged junior wrestlers, their parents, and coaches to voice their concerns against this perceived injustice.
Prominent wrestlers including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat took to social media to respond to Dutt's remarks and additional allegations. Sakshi Malik, a bronze medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, clarified, "We did not ask for exemption from trials, just asked for time to prepare." She emphasized that they had been away from wrestling for six months and were merely requesting time to get back in shape.
Bajrang Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, firmly stated that they would cease wrestling if it could be proven that they had only requested a single bout trial for the Asian Games and World Championships. He criticized Dutt for spreading misinformation and advised him to approach the sports minister if he had concerns about the trials' format.
The three wrestlers made it clear that they were prepared to quit wrestling if it was indeed proven that they had sought exemption from trials. However, they did not specify whether they would be willing to accept direct entry into the final or compete in the full draw.
Reports have revealed that Gian Singh and Ashoak Garg, two coaches added to the ad-hoc panel, had requested an exemption from trials for six wrestlers. Interestingly, both coaches were present during the wrestlers' protest at Jantar Mantar.
Sakshi Malik urged Yogeshwar Dutt not to misrepresent the situation, emphasizing that the six wrestlers were not solely interested in winning and participating in just one trial. She made it clear that they had never bypassed trials before and had never deprived any junior wrestler of their chance.
It is worth noting that Sangeeta Phogat, the wife of Bajrang Punia, Satywart Kadian (Sakshi's husband), and Jitender Kinha were exempt from the trials. This exception raised eyebrows and added fuel to the ongoing controversy.
Yogeshwar Dutt had initially questioned the decision's logic and criteria in a video posted on Twitter. In response, Vinesh Phogat criticized Dutt, implying that he would be remembered as a lackluster servant of Brij Bhushan within the wrestling community. It is interesting to note that Dutt was one of the six individuals appointed by the government to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Gian Singh.
Bajrang Punia also accused Dutt of betraying the nation by participating in the 2015 World Championships despite being unfit. He alleged that Dutt had undergone an ACL surgery just a month before the tournament, causing him to withdraw and not provide his weight category, which ultimately affected Amit Dhankar's chances of qualifying.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) finds itself in an embarrassing situation as Dutt's withdrawal from the 2015 Wrestling World Championships due to being unfit was a last-minute setback for the team competing in the United States.
The controversy surrounding the exemption from trials and the allegations made by Yogeshwar Dutt have stirred up the wrestling community, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the selection process. As the situation unfolds, the wrestling fraternity eagerly awaits further developments and hopes for a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport.
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