After India wrestler, two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat was allowed to participate in two weight categories at the national trials for Asian Olympic Qualifiers on Monday, there are a lot of questions to be answered. The ad-hoc committee chairman for wrestling, Bhupender Singh Bajwa has now stated that Vinesh was allowed after all the three members agreed.
The entire drama had started, when Vinesh stalled the proceedings, and demanded to participate in the 50 kg, as well as 53 kg selection trials, despite the UWW rules stating that a competitor can take part in just one category.
Bhupender Singh Bajwa Explains..
“We responded to Vinesh’s request to compete in both categories, the entire committee agreed to accommodate her request and allowed her to participate in both,” Bajwa told PTI. As per Article 7 of the UWW, a competitor can be allowed to take part in one weight category.
“Each contestant deemed to be taking part of his/her own free will, and responsible for himself/herself, shall be allowed to compete in only one weight category: the one corresponding to his weight at the time of the official weigh-in,” says Article 7 of the UWW.
Vinesh Has it Her Way at Wrestling Trials
Now, as things stand, Vinesh will compete for India in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers (April 19-21) in Kyrgyzstan, in the 50 kg category. After the verdict went in her favour, she lost beat Shivani 11-6 in the 50 kg category final, but lost in the 53 kg match against Anju 0-10.
Meanwhile, as per Bajwa, the runners-up will compete in the Asia Championships. “The runners-up will participate in the Asia Championships (also in Kyrgyzstan), with the winner of that event competing in the trial (against the Olympic quota winner) in late May before proceeding to the Olympics,” he added.
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