There was drama at the ongoing wrestling trials in Sonipat on Monday after
Vinesh Phogat
refused to let the trials for the women’s 50kg and 53kg categories start. Vinesh demanded a written confirmation be given from the authorities that a final trial for the 53kg weight class category be held before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Vinesh, however, had turned up at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre to compete in the 50kg category.

Vinesh previously used to compete in the 53kg category but has dropped her weight class to the 50kg category after Antim Panghal earned an Olympic quota in the 53kg.

But at the venue, Vinesh sought permission to compete in both the 50kg and 53kg category trials, leading to a discussion between the officials. This, however, did not go down well with the wrestlers who were due to compete in the 50 kg category as they even complained to the officials. “We are waiting since the past 2.5 hours,” wrestlers were quoted as saying by PTI.

Remember, the IOA ad-hoc panel has already announced that a final trial to pick India’s representative for the 53kg category would be held later and that the four best wrestlers would compete in that. The winner would then compete with Antim Panghal, and whoever wins in that will represent India at the Olympics.

“Vinesh wants an assurance from the government. Probably she fears that if WFI gets back the control, the federation may change the selection policy. But how can the government give assurance on this. The government can’t interfere in selection matters,” a coach who was present at the trials told PTI.

“Probably she wants to secure her future. If she loses 50kg trials today she wants to ensure that she remains in hunt in 53kg. If she finishes in top-4 today in 53kg, she remains alive for Paris Games qualification,” added the coach.