Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday stated she by no means demanded any exemption from Asian Video games trials regardless of the IOA ad-hoc panel providing to contemplate her case identical to compatriots Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. She additionally alleged that the transfer to exempt Vinesh and Bajrang from trials is an try by the federal government to “break the unity of the wrestlers.” Sakshi, who competes within the 62 kg class, together with Vinesh (53 kg) and Bajrang (65 kg), was on the forefront of the protest in opposition to outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who on Thursday obtained bail from a Delhi courtroom after the police charge-sheeted him on allegations of sexual harassment.
The IOA ad-hoc panel led by Bhupinder Bajwa courted controversy on Tuesday after granting exemptions to Bajrang and Vinesh with out following due protocols, forcing U-20 world champion Antim Panghal and 65 kg grappler Sujit Kalkal to method the Delhi Excessive Court docket to get the choice overturned.
“As you all know, we had requested the federal government for extra time for getting ready for the Asian Video games. We had requested them to carry our trials after August 10, and the federal government gave us time as nicely, following which we got here out right here for coaching.
“However, during the last 3-4 days, it has emerged that direct entries are being despatched for 2 weights (classes),” Sakshi, who’s at present coaching within the US, stated.
She made it clear that she is in opposition to exemptions, and therefore, turned down a suggestion the place her identify would have additionally been thought of on account of being an Olympic medallist.
“I used to be additionally advised to e-mail, that my identify could be thought of too. However I’ve refused, I don’t need to go with out the trials,” Sakshi stated.
“Neither have I gone (to any event) with none trials nor I need to do it now. We had solely mentioned about time (extension) that our trials ought to be held after August 10 – which isn’t taking place.
“I solely need to say that everybody ought to get justice and probability for honest choices,” Sakshi additional stated.
Earlier than that, in a tweet she alleged that this was an try and create discord between the highest wrestlers, who have been concerned in a month-long protest in opposition to Singh however are actually being perceived as opportunists seeking to discover a better path to the continental showpiece.
“The federal government has tried to interrupt the unity between the wrestlers by sending their names instantly,” Malik wrote in a tweet.
“I’m involved concerning the intentions behind this act from the federal government. We had requested them to postpone the dates of the trials, however the authorities has introduced infamy upon us by doing so,” Malik added.
Subjects talked about on this article