Delhi HC Rejects Plea On WFI’s Asian Games Exemption For Phogat, Punia

The Delhi High Court, on Saturday, rejected the petitions filed by wrestlers, Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal, challenging the exemption granted to wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 by the Wrestling Federation of India ad-hoc.

Justice Subramonium Prasad, presiding over the bench, rejected the petitions and upheld the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) decision to permit wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat to represent India at the Asian Games without undergoing trials.

Antim Panghal, a woman wrestler, raised concerns over the exemption provided to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 through a video communication on Wednesday, stating the need for a fair trial.

She said that, “A fair trial should be conducted.”

Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal also through a video communication stated that Bajrang Punia was allowed to participate in World Championship without any trial.

Further, Kalkal stated, “I just want that every wrestler should get an equal opportunity.”

Antim Panghal, 19, hailing from Hisar, and Sujeet Kalkal, 21, receiving training in Sonepat, stressed the necessity for fair and impartial trials without granting exemptions to any wrestler. They advocated for the entire process to be videographed.

Furthermore, wrestler Vishal Kaliraman stated that, “Even I play in the under 65 kg category and for the Asian Games Bajrang Punia has been given direct entry without any trial. They have been staging a protest for a year now, while we have been practising. We appeal for a trial. We don’t want any favour or benefit. At least a trial should be conducted otherwise we are ready to go to court. We will appeal before the court. We’ve been practising for 15 years. If Bajrang Punia denies that he would not play in the Asian Games only then someone else will get a chance.”