Antim Panghal, a woman wrestler from Hisar, Haryana, has expressed her objection to the direct entry granted to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for the upcoming Asian Games 2023. Panghal believes that a fair trial should be conducted to determine the participants for the games. She released a video explaining her concerns and highlighting her own achievements in the past year.
Panghal pointed out that Vinesh Phogat, who has been given direct entry, does not possess any notable achievements in the last year. Panghal mentioned their 3-3 bout during the Commonwealth Games trial, claiming that she was cheated. She insisted on the need for a fair trial in order to select the deserving wrestlers.
Antim Panghal also emphasized her own accomplishments, stating that she won a gold medal in the Junior World Championships, becoming the first female wrestler from India to achieve this feat. Additionally, she won a silver medal in the 2023 Asian Championships. Panghal questioned why Vinesh Phogat was being given preferential treatment despite her lack of recent achievements and injury.
According to sources, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has a rule that allows exemption for Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) athletes, such as world champions and Olympic medalists. However, Rio Olympics bronze medalist Sakshi Malik did not receive an exemption because she is not a TOPS athlete and had to participate in the trials.
Expressing her emotions, Antim Panghal stated that athletes like her have been working hard and deserve a fair chance to qualify. She expressed her intention to qualify for the Olympics through the Asian Games, but expressed her disappointment with the decision to send Vinesh Phogat directly. She urged for the organization of trials and questioned the special treatment given to Vinesh Phogat.
Antim Panghal mentioned that Vinesh Phogat had withdrawn from the Budapest Ranking Series 2023 due to illness. She questioned the basis on which Vinesh Phogat was granted direct entry and highlighted the achievements of other wrestlers like Sakshi Malik. Panghal requested support and clarification on the decision-making process.
Earlier this year, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and other wrestlers protested in New Delhi, demanding the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. The Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Brij Bhushan based on the complaint of the protesting wrestlers.
Antim Panghal’s objection raises important questions about the selection process and the need for fair trials in sports. The debate surrounding direct entry for certain athletes versus the requirement for trials continues to spark discussions within the Indian wrestling community. The Wrestling Federation of India will need to address these concerns and ensure transparency in their decision-making process to maintain the trust of the athletes.
