Parents, coaches of upcoming wrestlers protest against exemption given to 6 protesting grapplers

Parents and coaches of several upcoming wrestlers demanded exemption given to Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and three others be withdrawn.

Stating that the selection for important events like the Asian Games and World Championships should be fair, they called the exemption wrong.

The IOA constituted ad-hoc panel on Friday allowed Sakshi, Vinesh, Bajrang, Satywart Kadian Jitender Kinha and Sangeeta Phogat to be exempted from trials for the upcoming Asian Games and World Championship selections.

It also stated that these six individuals will be required to beat just the winners of the trials to seal their places in the Indian teams for the two prestigious events, consequently drawing flak from the wrestling community.

These six wrestlers have staged a sit-in protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing several women wrestlers.

Dharmendra Malik, father of world championship silver medallist Anshu, said it's not a regular trial, a lot is at stake, so there is no scope for any bias.

"Asian Games come after four years. The World Championship with Olympic qualification also comes after four years. These are no ordinary trials. Exempting these wresters from trials is absolutely wrong," Dharmedra told PTI.

"The protest was to just get justice and now they themselves are inflicting injustice on other wresters," he said.

Dayanand Kalkal, coach of fast-rising wrestler Sujeet told PTI, 'I spoke to Mr Bhupender Singh Bajwa (head of WFI ad-hoc panel) and told him that this is not a good decision. Trials should be fair and without any bias. He listened to me and also assured that they will take back this exemption.'

When PTI contacted Bajwa to know if he has made any such promise, he did not receive calls or respond to text message.

Vikas Bhardwaj, who coaches U-20 world champion woman wrestler Antim Panghal also criticised the IOA panel for exempting protesting wrestlers saying ,'This is wrong. We will protest against it. This is not acceptable.'