The ad-hoc committee chairman for wresting, Bhupender Singh Bajwa, categorically acknowledged on Monday that each one the three members on the IOA-constituted panel agreed to Vinesh Phogat’s request to compete in each 50kg and 53kg class on the nationwide trials in Patiala regardless of the UWW guidelines stating {that a} competitor can participate in only one class. Following the ad-hoc panel acceding to her demand, Vinesh, the Jakarta Asian Video games gold medallist, defeated Shivani 11-6 within the 50kg weight class to guide a spot within the Paris Olympics Qualification event in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan subsequent month.
She, nonetheless, misplaced the 53kg bout to Anju by technical superiority 0-10.
Vinesh didn’t let the competitors begin and demanded a written assurance the she be allowed to compete in two weight classes, resulting in a weird scenario the place the boots had been delayed by two-and-a-half hours.
“We responded to Vinesh’s request to compete in each classes, all the committee agreed to accommodate her request and allowed her to take part in each,” Bajwa instructed PTI after the completion of the trials to pick out the groups for the Asian Championships (April 11-16) and Asian Olympic Qualifiers (April 19-21) in Kyrgyzstan.
As per Article 7 of the United World Wrestling (UWW), a contestant could be allowed to participate in a single weight class.
“Every contestant deemed to be taking a part of his/her personal free will, and chargeable for himself/herself, shall be allowed to compete in just one weight class: the one akin to his weight on the time of the official weigh-in,” says Article 7 of the UWW.
Bajwa stated the winners of the Patiala trials will go for the Asia Olympic Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan adopted by the World Olympic Qualifiers in Could.
“The runners-up will take part within the Asia Championships (additionally in Kyrgyzstan), with the winner of that occasion competing within the trial (in opposition to the Olympic quota winner) in late Could earlier than continuing to the Olympics.
Thus far, just one wrestler, Antim Panghal (53kg) has secured a Paris Olympics quota place.
Vinesh, who has been on the forefront of the combat in opposition to former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the present suspended dispensation led by Sanjay Singh, stated the win in 50kg trials was a small victory in her quest for Olympic berth.
“This marks a small victory for me, however the primary focus stays on the Olympics. In a month, there are (Olympic) {qualifications} (occasions) adopted by the Video games itself. My sole goal is the Olympics. If luck is on my aspect, I imagine, I can obtain what I could not within the final two Olympics,” Vinesh instructed PTI Video.
“Six years in the past, I competed within the 50kg class, dealing with quite a few challenges, particularly with lowering the burden and post-operative restoration. Regardless of the hurdles, I am decided to concentrate on the Olympic qualifiers.
“Ideally, I used to be aiming to compete within the 53kg class, contemplating Antim Panghal has already secured a quota. Nevertheless, on account of unclear tips, I participated within the 50kg class as effectively. Successful a quota within the 50kg class for India can also be an immense honour for me.” She stated the federal government must do extra to assist the game.
“Sadly, the Indian authorities has offered little assist to wrestling previously one-and-a-half years. This lack of assist has considerably impacted wrestlers, and I urge the federal government to prioritise and assist wrestling extra severely,” she added.
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