Wrestler Antim Panghal to move Delhi HC against Vinesh Phogat's exemption for Asian Games trials: Report

Reigning Under-20 World Champion Antim Panghal on Wednesday questioned the Asian Games trials exemption given to Vinesh Phogat, asserting that not just her but many other Indian wrestlers are capable of beating the celebrated grappler in the 53kg category.

According to a report by The Bridge, Panghal will move the Delhi High Court challenging the ad-hoc committee's decision to exempt Phogat and Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia from trials. The development was confirmed by Vikash Bhardwaj, Panghal's childhood coach.

'We are moving to the high court and fighting this injustice. They are not giving young wrestlers even a chance at the competition,' Bhardwaj was quoted as saying by The Bridge.

Vinesh (53kg) and Bajrang Punia (65kg) were given direct entries for the Asian Games by the Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc committee on Tuesday while other wrestlers will have to book their places in the Indian squad through selection trials on July 22 and 23.

Panghal, who is a silver medallist from the senior Asian Championship, asked the criteria for exemption through a video.

"Vinesh Phogat has received direct entry for the Asian Games, when she had not done any practice in the last one year. She doesn't have any achievement in the last one year," Panghal said in the video.

"Last year, in the Junior World Championships, I won a gold medal and became the first woman wrestler from India to achieve this feat. In the 2023 Asian Championships, I won a silver medal, but Vinesh has no achievement to show in the last year. She was also injured," she said.

"Sakshi Malik has also won an Olympic medal, she too is not being sent. What is so special about Vinesh that she is being sent. Just organise trials. I am not saying that I am the only one who can beat Vinesh. There are several other girls who can beat her," said Panghal.

Vinesh got a direct entry into the Asian Games by virtue of being a medal winner at the World Championships last year.