Should we quit wrestling: Antim Panghal raises objections over Vinesh Phogat's exemption from trials

The reigning Under-20 World Champion Antim Panghal questioned Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trials exemption on Wednesday, claiming that not just she but many other Indian wrestlers are capable of defeating the famed grappler in the 53kg category.

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

Panghal, a 19-year-old from Hisar in Haryana who participates in the 53kg weight class, questioned why Vinesh was chosen since she hadn't been practising for long.

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 one 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.

#antimpanghal #wrestling #wrestlersprotest #asiangames #wfi

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[Shreya-of]

And this time in the Olympic vinesh was rejected to fight in 53kg catagory, Antim was the preference for 53 kg catagory. That is why Vineeh had to play in 50 kg catagory, which was not her comfort zone.
And vinesh is way better than antim for now that we all have watched in 2024 Olympic.

[karunathakur]

Madam everyone has to go through tryal.

[mamba]

Agree with Antim Panghal. It is injustice to such young talent in Wrestling.

I must confess both Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia are rogues who have been selected not on the basis of their fitness or fight but biased selection.

, 🙏🌎

[prakashsingh-vg]

Ha chhor do tumse kuch nahi hoga 10-0 se haar gyi chii😅

[sunilchaudhari]

she proved her self and made Olympic quata

[sunilchaudhari]

uska achievement kuch nahi vinesh fogat ki jitna behn bhavisya nahi bana sakti