Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik said on Thursday she has never demanded any exemption from Asian Games trials, despite the IOA ad hoc panel’s offer to consider her case, as did compatriots Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. She also claimed that the move to exempt Vinesh and Bajrang from trials is an attempt by the government to “break the unity of the wrestlers”. Sakshi, who competes in the 62kg category along with Vinesh (53kg) and Bajrang (65kg), led the protest against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was granted bail by a Delhi court on Thursday after police charged him with sexual harassment charges.
The IOA ad hoc panel headed by Bhupinder Bajwa sparked controversy on Tuesday after it granted waivers to Bajrang and Vinesh without following proper protocols, forcing U-20 world champion Antim Panghal and 65 kg wrestler Sujit Kalkal to approach the Delhi High Court to overturn the decision.
“As you all know, we asked the government for extra time to prepare for the Asian Games. We asked them to hold our trials after August 10, and the government also gave us time, after which we came here for training.
“But the past 3-4 days have shown direct submissions for two weights (categories),” said Sakshi, who is currently training in the US.
She made it clear that she opposes waivers and so turned down an offer that would have had her name also considered because she was an Olympic medalist.
“I was also told to email that my name would also be considered. But I declined, I don’t want to be without the lawsuits,” Sakshi said.
“Neither have I gone (to any tournament) without some trial, nor do I want to do it now. We had only discussed time (extension) that our trials should be held after August 10 – which is not happening.
“I just want to say that everyone should be given justice and a chance for fair selections,” Sakshi continued.
Before that, she claimed in a tweet that this was an attempt to create dissension among the top wrestlers, who were involved in a month-long protest against Singh but are now seen as opportunists looking for an easier route to the continental showpiece.
“The government has tried to break the unity between the wrestlers by sending their names directly,” Malik wrote in a tweet.
“I am concerned about the intentions behind this act of the government. We had asked them to postpone the dates of the trials, but the government has disgraced us,” added Malik.
Topics mentioned in this article
