Asian Games 2023: Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat exempted from wrestling trials

Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia & Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, have both been exempted from the wrestling trials for the upcoming Hangzhou Games.

The Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc body, currently in charge of the affairs at the Wrestling Federation of India, has decided that both Bajrang & Vinesh will be automatic picks for the Asian Games in their respective weight categories.

The panel confirmed the development, stating it will conduct trials in all categories but winners in men's freestyle 65kg and women's 53kg will be kept as standbys.

However, other wrestlers including Sakshi Malik & Sangeeta Phogat, who were part of the protests against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh, will have to participate in the trials slated for July 21 & 22.

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