The Indian Olympic Affiliation‘s ad-hoc committee granted Vinesh (53kg) and Bajrang Punia (65kg) direct admission for the Asian Video games on Tuesday, whereas different wrestlers must e-book their locations within the Indian squad via choice trials on July 22 and 23.
Panghal, a 19-year-old from Hisar in Haryana who participates within the 53kg weight class, questioned why Vinesh was chosen since she hadn’t been practising for lengthy.
Panghal, who’s a silver medallist from the senior Asian Championship, requested the factors for exemption via a video.
“Vinesh Phogat has acquired direct entry for the Asian Video games, when she had not executed any apply within the final one yr. She does not have any achievement within the final one yr,” Panghal mentioned within the video.
“Final yr, within the Junior World Championships, I gained a gold medal and have become the primary girl wrestler from India to attain this feat. Within the 2023 Asian Championships I gained a silver medal, however Vinesh has no achievement to indicate within the final one yr. She was additionally injured,” she mentioned.
“Sakshi Malik has additionally gained an Olympic medal, she too will not be being despatched. What’s so particular about Vinesh that she is being despatched. Simply organise trials. I’m not saying that I’m the one one who can beat Vinesh. There are a number of different ladies who can beat her,” mentioned Panghal.
Vinesh certified for the Asian Video games by advantage of successful a medal on the World Championships final yr. She is presently present process coaching in Budapest, Hungary.
Panghal mentioned she was handled unfairly in the course of the Birmingham Commonwealth Video games trials as properly.
“When the CWG trials have been going down, I had bouts in opposition to her, then too they (officers) cheated me. I mentioned koi nahin (it is okay), I’ll attempt to qualify for the Olympics by going to the (Hangzhou) Asian Video games. However now they’re saying they may ship Vinesh. This isn’t executed.
“They’re additionally saying that the one who goes for the Asian Video games may also go for the World Championships. And, the one who wins a medal at Worlds will go to the Olympics (in Paris). Now we have additionally been coaching onerous for years. So, what about us?” questioned Panghal.
She requested whether or not it was time for wrestlers like her to give up the game in frustration.
“Ought to we go away wrestling. Inform us on what foundation is she (Vinesh) being despatched.”
(With inputs from PTI)
