Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to not take part in World Championships 2023?

Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat are likely to miss the World Championships trials to be held later this month, reported PTI.

"Bajrang has said he hasn't made up his mind on the Worlds trials to be held in Delhi in mid-August," another source said.

The Indian Olympic Association-constituted ad-hoc committee for wrestling has reportedly left it to the new WFI governing body members (after they get elected) to take a call on the Worlds trials.

The Worlds will take place in Bulgaria from September 16 and the last date for sending entries by name is August 16. However, the IOA ad-hoc panel has taken "in principle" commitment from the international wrestling federation (UWW) to delay sending the entries.

Bajrang has apparently cited the short time span between the Worlds (September 16-24) and the Asian Games (September 23-October 8) for his indecision.

Bajrang and Vinesh have been given direct entries to the Asian Games, which has created a lot of controversy.