Vinesh stopped 2 wrestling trials for 3 hours: There was a demand for re-trial in 53KG before the Olympics; Now fighting in 2 categories

Vinesh Phogat wrestling during the National Trials.

There was drama for about three hours during the National Women's Wrestling Trials going on at SAI Center in Patiala. Here star wrestler Vinesh Phogat did not allow the trials of women's 50 KG and 53 KG weight categories to start for about three hours. Then after Vinesh agreed to participate in both these weight categories, the trials could start at 1:30 pm.

Vinesh was seeking written assurance from the officials to re-conduct the last trial of 53 KG weight category just before the Olympics. He said that if WFI takes command again, the selection policy may change.

The ad hoc body by the IOA has already said that there will be a final trial for the 53 kg category, in which the top 4 wrestlers of this weight category will compete. The winner of the trials will have to compete in the finals and the winning wrestler will represent India.

Vinesh fears that WFI will send Panghal to the final in her place
A coach present in Patiala told Bhaskar that Vinesh wanted assurance from the government, because she fears that if WFI comes back in control, the selection policy may change. And the last Panghal which has achieved the quota before 53 KG can be sent. But the government cannot interfere.

Vinesh Phogat is participating in two weight categories during the National Trials.

Vinesh is participating in two categories, this is the first time
Vinesh, who leveled sexual harassment allegations against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and led the long-running protest, is competing in two weight categories (50 and 53 KG). This is the first time that a wrestler is participating in two weight categories simultaneously in a tournament. Usually, after losing in one weight category, the wrestler would wrestle in another weight category.

Wrestlers of 50 KG weight category are protesting against the decision to include Vinesh in both the categories.

Wrestlers came against Vinesh
Due to Vinesh playing in two weight categories, many wrestlers participating in 50 KG started protesting. A wrestler said- 'We have been waiting for two and a half hours.' Vinesh sought permission to participate in both 50 KG and 53 KG with a written assurance, which had created an awkward situation.

Weight reduced after last Panghal got quota
Earlier Vinesh used to compete in 53 KG, but due to Panghal getting the quota from this category, Vinesh reduced her weight category.

Bajrang and Dahiya had lost a day earlier
During the National Trials held in Sonipat a day ago, star wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya were eliminated from the semi-final round of the Men's National Trials. full news