Wrestling Trials for Asian Championship 2023 Underway at IGI Stadium in Delhi
Wrestling trials for the upcoming Asian Championship 2023 have commenced at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in Delhi. The trials began with the women’s and Greco-Roman wrestlers, while the men’s freestyle wrestling bouts will take place on July 23.
The trials will include all 18 Olympic weight categories, with six categories each for women’s and men’s freestyle, and men’s Greco-Roman competitions. These weight divisions will be contested at the upcoming Asian Games.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) appointed an ad hoc panel, which provided direct entries to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, two of India’s top wrestlers. However, this decision has sparked controversy within the Indian wrestling community.
The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee, responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the WFI, released a circular stating that the wrestlers for the men’s freestyle 65kg and women’s 53kg categories have already been selected.
As a result, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat will receive direct entries into the Indian squad for the 2023 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8.
Bajrang Punia, an Olympic medalist, dominates the men’s 65kg division, while Vinesh Phogat, a world champion and Commonwealth Games champion, reigns supreme in the women’s 53kg category.
Last week, Vinesh Phogat traveled to Hungary to participate in the Budapest Ranking Series. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw due to illness at the last minute. Currently, she is studying abroad.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia is undergoing training in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyawart Kadiyan are attending a training camp in the United States.
The wrestling trials in Delhi have attracted attention as wrestlers strive to secure their spots in the national squad for the highly anticipated Asian Championship 2023. The competition is fierce, with athletes demonstrating their skills and determination on the mats.
The decision to grant direct entries to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat has sparked controversy, raising questions about the fairness of the selection process. It remains to be seen how the wrestling community and the athletes themselves will respond to the IOA’s decision.
As the trials continue, wrestling enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the final roster for the Asian Championship 2023. With talented wrestlers from across the country vying for a place on the national team, the competition promises to be intense and full of excitement.
The Wrestling Federation of India, along with the IOA, will play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and maintaining the integrity of the selection process. As one of the most popular sports in India, wrestling holds a special place in the hearts of millions of fans who look forward to seeing their favorite wrestlers shine on the international stage.
The trials in Delhi showcase the determination and dedication of Indian wrestlers, with each athlete striving to prove their worth and secure a coveted spot in the national squad. The results of these trials will shape the future of Indian wrestling and determine the team’s composition for the Asian Championship 2023. Time will reveal the final lineup, as well as the impact of the controversy surrounding the direct entries given to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat.
With the Asian Championship 2023 just around the corner, the wrestling community eagerly awaits the outcome of the trials and the subsequent announcement of the Indian squad. The stage is set, and the wrestlers are ready to showcase their skills, hoping to bring glory to the nation in this prestigious event.
