The wrestling arena in India is abuzz with controversy as ace wrestler Bajrang Punia, along with Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satywart Kadiyan, has decided to challenge the upcoming national trials organized by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
The quartet has filed an urgent joint petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the selection competition scheduled for March 10-11. While Bajrang Punia refrained from confirming the petition, he raised pertinent questions about the legitimacy of the trials conducted by the suspended WFI.
Speaking from Russia, where he is currently training, Bajrang expressed concerns about the government's silence on issues plaguing Indian wrestling. He emphasized the need for transparency and questioned the authority of a suspended sports body to organize such crucial trials.
The national trials hold significant importance as they will determine the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Wrestling Championships and the Olympic Qualifier in Kyrgyzstan. However, Bajrang's reluctance to participate highlights the underlying tensions within the wrestling fraternity regarding the leadership and governance of the sport in India.
Bajrang's stance is not isolated, as Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat have also decided to abstain from the trials, citing similar concerns. This unified decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the collective discontent among top wrestlers regarding the current state of affairs in Indian wrestling.
The wrestlers' protest stems from a prolonged saga of turmoil within the WFI, marked by allegations of sexual harassment against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The athletes, led by Bajrang, Sakshi, and Vinesh, had staged a protest demanding accountability and justice, further complicating the already tumultuous landscape of Indian wrestling.
While the WFI president, Sanjay Singh, has appealed to the wrestlers to put aside past grievances and participate in the trials, the athletes remain steadfast in their stance, seeking clarity and fairness in the selection process.
The move to approach the Delhi High Court reflects the wrestlers' determination to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure transparency in the selection process. As the legal battle unfolds, the wrestling community awaits the court's decision, hoping for a resolution that addresses their concerns and paves the way for a more inclusive and accountable governance structure in Indian wrestling.
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