Delhi HC Seeks Explanation from WFI Over Phogat, Punia’s Asian Games Trials Exemption

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has asked the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to explain the grounds for granting exemption to wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia from the Asian Games trials.

The petition, filed by advocates Hrishikesh Baruah and Akshay Kumar, seeks to set aside the exemption granted to Phogat and Punia. Under-20 World Champion Antim Panghal and Under-23 Asian Champion Sujeet Kalkal challenged the direct entry given to Phogat and Punia and demanded a fair selection process.

The court questioned the WFI about the basis of selecting the two wrestlers and whether there was a proper selection process in place. The judge emphasized that if the selection process is fair and reasonable, there would be no interference.

Phogat (53kg) and Punia (65kg) were provided direct entries to the Asian Games by the Indian Olympics Association, while other wrestlers have to go through selection trials on July 22 and 23 to secure their places in the Indian squad. This decision by the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc panel has stirred controversy within India’s wrestling community.

The petition seeks to quash the directive issued by the IOA ad-hoc committee regarding the exemption for the men’s freestyle 65kg and women’s 53kg categories.

The Delhi High Court is closely scrutinizing the situation and expects the Wrestling Federation of India to provide a clear explanation for their decisions. The court’s ruling on Friday will determine whether the exemption granted to Phogat and Punia stands or if a fair trial selection process will be required.