'Trials should be fair': Coaches, parents on exemption granted to 6 wrestlers

By  India Blooms News Service   Jun 24, 2023

New Delhi/IBNS: Several wrestling coaches and parents have criticised the decision to exempt Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and three other wrestlers, associated with the protest against the federation chief, from Asian Games and World Championships trials.

On Friday, the coaches and parents of several established and aspiring wrestlers said that the selection process for these important events should be fair and objective.

The ad hoc panel of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Thursday announced a one-bout trial for six protesting wrestlers.

Following the decision, the panel is facing severe backlash for exempting wrestlers like Sangeeta Phogat, Bajrangs wife, Satyawart Kadian, Sakshis husband, and Jitender Kinha.

These six wrestlers staged a sit-in protest against outgoing wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual assault allegations raised by many female wrestlers.