Lucknow: Deepak Punia and Ankit Gulia were among those selected after the trials for the Indian Under-20 and Under-15 Wrestling Teams were held on Thursday at STC, Lucknow and STC, Sonepat for participation in the 2022 U20 and U15 Asian Wrestling Championship.The championship will be held at Manama in Bahrain from July 2-10 this year.The following wrestlers have been selected in their respective categories to represent the country in the championship:Under-15 (Girls): Tanisha (33 kg, Haryana), Shravani (36 kg, Maharashtra), Dipanshi (39 kg, Haryana), Monika (42 kg, Haryana), Ekta (46 kg, Rajasthan), Rajnita (50 kg, Haryana), Neha (54 kg, Haryana), Ronak (58 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Pulkit (62 kg, Haryana), Kajal (Haryana).Under 15 (Freestyle Wrestling): Deepanshu (38 kg, Haryana), Dashrath (41 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Ishwar (44 kg, Haryana), Kartik (48 kg, Delhi), Saleem (52 kg, Delhi), Ankush (57 kg, Delhi), Tanishq (62 kg, Maharashtra), Nishant (68 kg, Delhi), Vivek (75 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Badal Chaudhary (85 kg, Uttar Pradesh).Under-15 (Greco Roman Style Wrestling): Varun (38 kg, Delhi), Pranjal Kangra (41 kg, Delhi), Atul (44 kg, Haryana), Aditya Kumar (48 kg, Jharkhand), Pranay (52 kg, Maharashtra), Tushar Patil (57 kg, Maharashtra), Varun (62 kg, Delhi), Sachin (68 kg, Haryana), Abhay (75 kg, Haryana), Hardeep (85 kg, Haryana)Under 20 (Women's Wrestling): Sweety (50 kg, Haryana), Antim (53 kg, Haryana), Reena (55 kg, Haryana), Sito (57 kg, Haryana), Tannu Malik (59 kg, Uttarakhand), Sarika (62 kg, Haryana), Priyanka (65 kg, Haryana), Arju (68 kg, Haryana), Manju (72 kg, Haryana), Priya (76 kg, Haryana)Under-20 (Free Style): Udit (57 kg), Mohit Kumar (61 kg, Haryana), Sujeet (65 kg, Haryana), Mulayam (70 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Jaideep (74 kg, Haryana), Deepak (79 kg, SSCB), Jointy Kumar (86 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Akash (92 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Ashish (97 kg, Delhi), Mahendra Gaikwad (125 kg, Maharashtra)Under-20 (Greco Roman Style): Rupin (55 kg, Haryana), Sourabh (60 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Anil (63 kg, Haryana), Ankit Gulia (67 kg, SSCB), Deepak Punia (72 kg, Haryana), Sachin (77 kg, CHD), Rohit Dahiya (82 kg, Haryana), Manoj Kumar (87 kg, Haryana), Narinder Cheema (97 kg, Punjab), Parvesh (130 kg, Haryana).&nbsp;—ANI

Deepak Punia and Ankit Gulia were among those selected after the trials for the Indian Under-20 and Under-15 Wrestling Teams were held on Thursday at STC, Lucknow and STC, Sonepat for participation in the 2022 U20 and U15 Asian Wrestling Championship.

Deepak Punia, Ankit Gulia Among Wrestlers Selected For Asian Wrestling Championship In Bahrain

Lucknow: Deepak Punia and Ankit Gulia were among those selected after the trials for the Indian Under-20 and Under-15 Wrestling Teams were held on Thursday at STC, Lucknow and STC, Sonepat for participation in the 2022 U20 and U15 Asian Wrestling Championship. The championship will be held at Manama in Bahrain from July 2-10 this year.The following wrestlers have been selected in their respective categories to represent the country in the championship: Under-15 (Girls): Tanisha (33 kg, Haryana), Shravani (36 kg, Maharashtra), Dipanshi (39 kg, Haryana), Monika (42 kg, Haryana), Ekta (46 kg, Rajasthan), Rajnita (50 kg, Haryana), Neha (54 kg, Haryana), Ronak (58 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Pulkit (62 kg, Haryana), Kajal (Haryana). Under 15 (Freestyle Wrestling): Deepanshu (38 kg, Haryana), Dashrath (41 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Ishwar (44 kg, Haryana), Kartik (48 kg, Delhi), Saleem (52 kg, Delhi), Ankush (57 kg, Delhi), Tanishq (62 kg, Maharashtra), Nishant (68 kg, Delhi), Vivek (75 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Badal Chaudhary (85 kg, Uttar Pradesh). Under-15 (Greco Roman Style Wrestling): Varun (38 kg, Delhi), Pranjal Kangra (41 kg, Delhi), Atul (44 kg, Haryana), Aditya Kumar (48 kg, Jharkhand), Pranay (52 kg, Maharashtra), Tushar Patil (57 kg, Maharashtra), Varun (62 kg, Delhi), Sachin (68 kg, Haryana), Abhay (75 kg, Haryana), Hardeep (85 kg, Haryana) Under 20 (Women’s Wrestling): Sweety (50 kg, Haryana), Antim (53 kg, Haryana), Reena (55 kg, Haryana), Sito (57 kg, Haryana), Tannu Malik (59 kg, Uttarakhand), Sarika (62 kg, Haryana), Priyanka (65 kg, Haryana), Arju (68 kg, Haryana), Manju (72 kg, Haryana), Priya (76 kg, Haryana) Under-20 (Free Style): Udit (57 kg), Mohit Kumar (61 kg, Haryana), Sujeet (65 kg, Haryana), Mulayam (70 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Jaideep (74 kg, Haryana), Deepak (79 kg, SSCB), Jointy Kumar (86 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Akash (92 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Ashish (97 kg, Delhi), Mahendra Gaikwad (125 kg, Maharashtra) Under-20 (Greco Roman Style): Rupin (55 kg, Haryana), Sourabh (60 kg, Uttar Pradesh), Anil (63 kg, Haryana), Ankit Gulia (67 kg, SSCB), Deepak Punia (72 kg, Haryana), Sachin (77 kg, CHD), Rohit Dahiya (82 kg, Haryana), Manoj Kumar (87 kg, Haryana), Narinder Cheema (97 kg, Punjab), Parvesh (130 kg, Haryana).—ANI

Deepak, Anki among wrestlers selected for Asian Wrestling Championship

Tokyo: Bajrang Punia got his act together to claim a bronze medal after ultra-defensive tactics resulted in his opening-round defeat even as Aman claimed his first gold medal at the senior level with a commanding show in the 57kg competition at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup, in Almaty on Sunday.Bajrang, the Tokyo Games bronze winner, struggled in his opening bout against Uzbekistan's Abbos Rakhmonov, losing 3-5 but competed much better in the bronze-play off where he played smartly to score on counter-attacks against Kazkahstan's Rifat Saibotalov, winning 7-0.Bajrang foiled a right leg attack from Saibotalov and then scored two points on counter attack after his rival went for his right leg. The 28-year-old converted a left-leg attack into points and foiled another valiant effort from the home-favourite.Bajrang was quick with his movements that was key in his mix of defence and attack in the crucial bout.Earlier, the overtly defensive tactics that Bajrang has been adopting, of late, continued against Rakhmonov and paid the price.Bajrang got the first two points when his rival was cautioned twice for foul play. He hardly made a move but the Uzbekistan wrestler converted a left-leg attack into a take-down move for two points to level the score.The celebrated wrestler later got one more point on the passivity of Rakhmonov and was leading but dropped guard when only six seconds were left in the bout.It seemed Bajrang took it easy, thinking the referee has whistled to halt the action but Rakhmonov grabbed the opportunity to launch a leg attack and eventually got decisive two points.Later Rakhmonov reached final, giving opportunity to fight for bronze.In the 57kg, Aman, who trains at Chhatrasal stadium with Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya, was very impressive.He began with a 15-12 win over Meirambek Kartbay in the high-scoring opening bout and followed that with a technical superiority win over Abdymalik Karachov from Kyrgyzstan.In his final bout, he edged out Kazakhstan's Merey Bazarbayev 10-9 to stay unbeaten in the five-wrestler category to claim gold.It is Aman's third medal this season, having won a silver at Dan Kolov and a bronze at Yasar Dogu.Meanwhile, Vishal Kaliramana (70kg) and Naveen (74kg) missed out podium finishes after losing bronze medal rounds.Gourav Baliyan (79kg) could not make the medal round while Deepak Punia forfeited all his bouts due to injury in 92kg category, where Viky lost both his bouts.India thus signed off with 12 medals from the Ranking Series event with the women's wrestlers claiming eight of them, including give gold.—PTI

Bajrang Punia got his act together to claim a bronze medal after ultra-defensive tactics resulted in his opening-round defeat even as Aman claimed his first gold medal at the senior level with a commanding show in the 57kg competition at the Bolat Turlykhanov Cup, in Almaty on Sunday.

Bajrang claims bronze in Almaty, gold for Aman

Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain. —The Hawk Features
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&amp;#39;s &amp;#39;arbitrary&amp;#39; laws &amp;amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers demanded action against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and other officials against alleged sexual exploitation of several athletes. Wrestlers, who have been protesting for two days at Delhi&amp;#39;s Jantar Mantar, has now ended their sit-in after getting assurance from the central government to resolve their grievances. Neither Indian sports nor the governing body SAI is new to controversies. Flip through the pages of history and one can find several incidents of misbehaviour and allegations of sexual harassment made by leading sportswomen of the country.
Sport, when purposefully planned, gives us the environment and opportunity to enforce values such as respect and equality, both on and off the field, and can reduce gender inequalities and violence against women. Sexual abuse toward women athletes has been a problem for as long as women’s sports has existed. Most sexual harassment and abuse is perpetrated by people in positions of authority within the sport industry, often coaches. It happens in all sports and at all levels. Sexual harassment and abuse within the sports industry is suspected to be significantly underreported due to social conditions that discourage disclosure. Many hesitate to come forward fearing they won’t be believed or will be disregarded in favor of the perpetrators’ denial. According to data gathered from a right to information application, it was found that between 2010 to 2020, there were 45 complaints of sexual harassment to the SAI, of which 29 were against coaches. Notably, Vinesh Phogat had previously alleged that coaches who are favourites of the WFI misbehave with women and harass them. She also accused the wrestling federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing girls and calling her a &amp;#39;khota sikka&amp;#39; after her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;
Many sexual harassment cases have involved coaches and mentors, and athletes are calling for an organized system allowing women to share complaints without fear of damaging their careers. Sexual harassment and abuse arise from the culture of sport and from the opportunities for exploitation of power and authority which this affords coaches. Commonly reported types of sexual harassment include “‘repeated unwanted sexually suggestive glances, jokes, comments, etc.’, ‘unwanted physical contact’, [and] ‘ridicule.’” There is a culture of subservience in sport and therefore &amp;#39;grooming&amp;#39; becomes common, making it very hard for athletes to come forward and complain.
In multiple ways, a coach has significant power over an athlete. Traditionally, athletes place their trust in their coach, taking their advice and following their instructions uncritically because the coach has greater knowledge about and experience with the sport. Coaches can either boost or diminish the athletes’ self- esteem, and they have significant control over the participation and success of athletes and whether they lose their jobs. It’s evident that anywhere in the world, when vulnerable female athletes are placed in the charge of a male coach, there exists the danger that he could prey on them. It’s a very complex situation, and a monitoring mechanism independent of the sports federations would be the first step towards protecting female athletes.
No doubt, SAI has made it mandatory for all federations to ensure female athletes are accompanied by a female coach during domestic and international travel. SAI has also asked the federations to appoint a ‘compliance officer’ at national camps and tours in order to ensure the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on prevention of sexual harassment’ is followed, and that any violation is reported ‘at the earliest’.&nbsp;
Our Sports organisations must have guidelines for preventing violence against women in their player and employee codes of conduct, and have mechanisms for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct and violence. Sports bodies have to take the lead and set conditions right so vulnerable athletes feel secure to come forward and complain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
—The Hawk Features

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat accused Brij Bhushan Sharma of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The group of wrestlers were protesting against Wrestling Federation of India&#39;s &#39;arbitrary&#39; laws &amp; called for a boycott of its president at Jantar Mantar.

Why India's Female Athletes Struggle With Sexual Harassment?

New Delhi: A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Since April 23, prominent Indian wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who have achieved Olympic and World Championships recognition, have been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar against WFI chief.

Farmers have also extended their support to wrestlers and had arrived from Haryana and Punjab on Monday to join the wrestlers' protest.

During the hearing, the judge issued notice to Police on protesting wrestlers' plea seeking monitoring of the investigation and recording of the statement of the alleged victims before the court.

The court then directed the police to file the report by May 12, also the next date of hearing.

On Tuesday, Delhi Commission for Women also issued summons to Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal for failing to arrest the accused in the matter of sexual harassment with women wrestlers.

The women wrestlers had approached the Supreme Court and two FIRs were registered on April 28, one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl and another for sexual harassment of other complainants. IANS

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Court seeks Delhi Police's status report on sexual harassment case against WFI chief

A court here on Wednesday sought from the Delhi Police a status report pertaining to the sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.


Gonda(UP): After being accused of sexual harassment by some wrestlers, BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed on Sunday that he would be willing to take a narco test if wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did the same. The president of the Indian wrestling federation made the remark on his personal Facebook page. I'm willing to take a lie detector, polygraph, or narco test, but only if Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia accompany me. If the two wrestlers agree on something, it's time to have a news conference. I assure them I am well prepared for the exam," he wrote in Hindi.
To my countrymen, I reiterate that I will always be true to my word. 'Jai Shri Ram,' Singh chimed in.
Famous wrestlers have been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since April 23, accusing the BJP MP from Kaiserganj in Uttar Pradesh of sexually exploiting young girls. Prominent protesters include Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik. On Sunday, the lawmaker also addressed constituents in this part of Uttar Pradesh.—Inputs frrom gencies

After being accused of sexual harassment by some wrestlers, BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed on Sunday that he would be willing to take a narco test if wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia did the same.

Ready for narco test if Phogat and Punia take it too: Brij Bhushan Saran Singh

New Delhi: Delhi Police have detained all the protesting wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik along with their supporters and further removed the tents installed at the protest site at Jantar Mantar on Sunday. The officials also told wrestlers to not do anything anti-national.
Earlier, protesting wrestlers along with their supporters jumped over the police barricades and tried to march towards the newly constructed Parliament building. However, they were stopped by the police, deployed in large numbers. The wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik, also clashed with the police officials when they were stopped by police while marching towards Parliament. Since April 23, prominent Indian wrestlers such as Punia, Malik, and Vinesh Phogat have been staging a protest at the Jantar Mantar against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
—IANS

Delhi Police have detained all the protesting wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik 

All Protesting Wrestlers  Detained, Delhi Police Remove Tents At Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: With the top Indian wrestlers, who were protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) sidelined president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, joining their jobs, there were claims on social media that the players who were set to discard their medals in river Ganga should quit their jobs.
On Monday, Olympians Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat took umbrage to such suggestions and claimed that the people who are trying to discredit them and force them to give up their fight for justice are now coming after their jobs.
In similarly-worded statements, the top wrestlers claimed that when "life is at stake, job is a small thing".
The statement came on the heels of several reports claiming that the top grapplers have disassociated themselves from the protest and have rejoined their respective government jobs.
The wrestlers issued a clarification that they have resumed work as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) in the Railways but have not withdrawn their agitation.
"People who dismissed our medals as worth Rs 15 each are now aiming for our jobs. When life is at stake, job is a small thing in such a situation.
"If the job is seen to be an obstacle in the way of justice, then we will not take even ten seconds to leave it. Do not show fear of job," Punia, Sakshi Malik and Phogat wrote in their tweets on Monday.
The wrestlers vehemently denied that they have ended their protest.
Bajrang Punia also put out a video message on Twitter telling people not to believe in rumours and bogus claims.
In his video message, Punia said that there is no rift among the wrestlers and neither have they withdrawn their allegations nor their complaint against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh."Please don't believe in claims that there is a rift in the wrestlers. None of the players have disassociated themselves from the agitation nor have we withdrawn the complaint," said Bajrang.
he said a campaign is on to discredit them and try and break their unity.
"Delhi Police have through a news agency tried to spread this rumour that the investigation has been closed as there is no evidence supporting the allegations. Please don't believe in such claims," said Punia, claiming that their fight for justice will continue.
A few days back, the protesting wrestlers were detained by the Delhi Police during their march towards the new Parliament building.
As the protesters tried to breach the security cordon, a fierce tussle broke out -- the wrestlers and cops pushed, shoved and grappled with one another.
The following day, the wrestlers threatened to discard their medals into the river Ganga in Haridwar and go on an indefinite hunger strike at the India Gate.
The wrestlers had gone to Haridwar claiming that they want to drop their medals in the river Ganga. With many people requesting them, they decided to hand over the medals to the farmers' leaders to take a call.
The wrestlers will soon take a call on where to resume their protest.
—<span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 14px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">IANS&nbsp;

 With the top Indian wrestlers, who were protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) sidelined president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Bajrang, Sakshi, Vinesh assert won't take 10 secs to leave their jobs; claim agitation will go on

New Delhi: Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have made four demands to Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, including the appointment of a woman WFI chief and scrapping of police FIRs against them, sources said.
"They demanded free and fair elections to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the appointment of a woman chief. They also said Brij Bhushan Singh or his family members cannot be part of the federation. Also reiterated their demand for the arrest of Brij Bhushan Singh," sources said. However, the question now arises, can the government interfere in the WFI working or will there be change in constitution? The protesting wrestlers have been invited by the government for the second time days after they met Home Minister Amit Shah.
In January, too, the wrestlers met Anurag Thakur at his residence and called off their protest after a committee was formed. At that time, former wrestler and BJP leader Babita Phogat played the mediator's role. Earlier, talking to IANS on Wednesday, Sakshi Malik said, "We will keep everything open. We won't take any decision behind closed doors. We will discuss the proposal given by the government with our seniors and supporters and only when everyone gives their consent that the proposal is fine, then will we agree."
—IANS

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have made four demands to Sports Minister Anurag Thakur

Make Woman WFI Chief, Scrap FIRs Against Us: Wrestlers To Anurag Thakur

New Delhi: The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved proposals by Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia for training in Kyrgystan and Hungary as they prepare for the upcoming trials for the Asian Games in Hangzhou.  The duo, who along with fellow Olympian Sakshi Malik, was leading a protest by wrestlers against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh till a few days back, sent in their proposals to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) TOPS team and the same was cleared within 24 hrs of their request.  While Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will head out to Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan for 36 days training camp, World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat will first head out to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for a week-long training camp and then to Tata, Hungary for 18 days of training, the ministry informed in a release on Thursday.   While Vinesh will be accompanied by physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil, sparring partner Sangeeta Phogat and coach Sudesh, Bajrang will be accompanied by coach Sujeet Maan, physiotherapist Anuj Gupta, sparring partner Jitender and strength and conditioning expert Kaazi Hasan.  The government will fund Vinesh, Bajrang, their sparring partners, Sangeeta Phogat and Jitender,  and coaches Sudesh and Sujeet Maan's air tickets, board and lodging costs, camp expenses, airport transfer costs, OPA and other miscellaneous costs.  Additionally, the cost for the other support staff accompanying the wrestlers will be borne by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ).  Both Vinesh and Bajrang are set to leave in the first week of July.  —IANS

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved proposals 

TOPS clears training stints of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia in Kyrgyzstan, Hungary

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday exempted wrestler Bajrang Punia from personal appearance for a day in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by sports coach Naresh Dahiya.
Dahiya has alleged that Punia, in company of other wrestlers/persons, made defamatory remarks against him in a press conference, held on May 10 at Jantar Mantar during the protest by female wrestlers against alleged sexual harassment by BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Punia’s counsel had moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance claiming that the wrestler went to Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming Asian Games and its practice sessions.
Metropolitan Magistrate Yashdeep Chahal of Patiala House Courts granted the request noting the submission, and listed the matter for hearing next on October 17.
Last week, Punia’s counsel had sought relief from personal appearance for a day stating medical grounds, and the court had granted it as well.
The lawyer had claimed that Punia was not able to appear before the court for the day as he is suffering from fever.
The court had then adjourned the matter for Thursday.
On August 3, Chahal had summoned Punia on September 6 in the matter, holding that he is of the prima facie view that all the ingredients of defamation were made out.
During the hearing, he had said that at the stage of summoning, it was fairly settled that the court was not required to go into a comparative analysis of the possible defence that may be taken by the accused.
"On a consideration of the complaint, supporting documents and pre-summoning evidence, I am of the prima facie view that all the ingredients of defamation are made out," the magistrate had said.
He had said that the statement made in the press conference appears to be a result of malicious intent and not made in good faith.
"In view of the same, let the accused, namely, Bajrang Punia be summoned for the commission of offence punishable under Section 499 read with Section 500 (both dealing with criminal defamation) of the IPC," the magistrate had said.
—IANS

A Delhi court on Thursday exempted wrestler Bajrang Punia from personal appearance for a day in a criminal defamation complaint

Delhi court exempts Bajrang Punia from personal appearance for a day in criminal defamation case

Hangzhou [China]: Indian wrestler Deepak Punia beat Uzbekistan's Javrail Shapiev 4-3 in the men's freestyle 86kg semifinal at the Asian Games 2023 on Saturday. With this win Deepak confirmed a medal by sealing his passage to the final.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympian, Deepak will face Rio 2016 Olympics champion Hassan Yazdani of Iran. The Iranian grappler is also a three-time world champion -- 2017, 2019 and 2021 -- and the defending Asian Games champion in this category, as per Olympics.com.
Deepak's gold medal bout with Hassan Yazdani will start after 2.30 pm IST on Saturday. Earlier, Deepak prevailed 7-3 against Japanese grappler Shota Shirai in the quarter-final bout. Deepak Punia had beaten Indonesia's Randa Riandesta 11-0 and Bahrain's Magomed Magomed R Sharipov 3-2 in the pre-quarterfinals and qualification rounds, respectively, at Hangzhou. Meanwhile, fellow Indian wrestler Yash lost to Tajikistan's Magomet in the men's freestyle 74kg quarterfinal on Saturday. Another grappler, Sumit, went down fighting to Kyrgyzstan's Aiaal Lazarev in the men's freestyle 125kg pre-quarterfinals while Vicky lost to Kazakhstan's Alisher Yergali in his men's freestyle 97kg pre-quarterfinals.
—ANI

Indian wrestler Deepak Punia beat Uzbekistan's Javrail Shapiev 4-3 in the men's freestyle 86kg semifinal at the Asian Games 2023 on Saturday.

Asian Games: Wrestler Deepak Punia beats Uzbekistan's Javrail Shapiev, storms into men's freestyle final

New Delhi: Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist Sanjay Singh winning the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) election for the top job, here.
Sanjay, a close associate of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan became the new WFI president with his panel winning 13 of the 15 posts in the elections here on Thursday.  "We fought from our heart but if a man like Brij Bhushan, his business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling," said a teary-eyed Sakshi, and kept her shoes on the table in a dramatic announcement.  "We wanted a female president but that did not happen," the 31-year-old, who is also a CWG gold medallist, added.
<a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1737796141113376856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737796141113376856%7Ctwgr%5E3282bd556d06ad6c1e4a2c64e3fbb3e434f678f5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fsports%2Fsakshi-malik-announces-retirement-vinesh-phogat-warns-of-more-exploitation-in-wake-of-wfi-polls-2820800" target="_self">https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1737796141113376856?</a>
Ahead of the elections, Olympic medal winning grapplers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi had repeatedly requested Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to stop anyone associated with Brij Bhushan from contesting the WFI polls.  Consequently, neither Brij Bhushan's son Prateek nor son-in-law Vishal Singh entered the fray.  Bajrang and Vinesh Phogat, who addressed media after elections, did not say whether they will retire from the sport.  "It's unfortunate that government did not stand by its word that no Brij Bhushan loyalist will contest WFI election," Bajrang said.  "Upcoming women wrestlers will also face exploitation," Vinesh added.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737796072272265577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737796072272265577%7Ctwgr%5E3282bd556d06ad6c1e4a2c64e3fbb3e434f678f5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fsports%2Fsakshi-malik-announces-retirement-vinesh-phogat-warns-of-more-exploitation-in-wake-of-wfi-polls-2820800" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737796072272265577?</a>
—PTI

Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport, protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Sakshi Malik retires, Vinesh Phogat, warns of more exploitation in wake of WFI polls

New Delhi: Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia on Friday decided to return the prestigious Padma Shri award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a protest after Brij Bhushan Singh's close aide Sanjay Singh was elected as the President of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).  A day after teary-eyed Sakshi Malik announced that she was quitting the sport, Bajrang wrote a letter to PM Modi, expressing his disappointment following WFI polls.  In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Punia outlined the reasons behind his decision of returning the prestigious award.  The wrestling body row, which had been simmering for a while, reached a tipping point for the athlete. Discontent with the management and administration of the sport he loved, Punia felt compelled to take a stand.  “The government and the people gave so much respect. Should I continue to suffocate under the burden of this respect? In the year 2019, I was awarded Padmashri. Also honored with Khel Ratna and Arjun Award. I was very happy when I received this honour. It seemed that life had been successful. But today I am more unhappy than that and these honors are hurting me. There is only one reason, in wrestling for which we get this honor, our fellow women wrestlers have to give up wrestling for their safety,” wrote Bajrang Punia in a letter.  “We “respectable” wrestlers could not do anything. I will not be able to live my life as "respectable" after insulting female wrestlers. Such a life will torment me all my life. That's why I am returning this "honor" to you,” the letter read.  On Thursday, 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik announced quitting Wrestling following Sanjay Singh being elected as president of the WFI.  Sakshi removed her shoes and put it on the dais before leaving the press conference in tears here. "I am dejected and I will not be competing in wrestling anymore," an emotional Sakshi had said.  "In the end, we slept for 40 days on the roads but I’d like to thank the several people of our country who came to support us during the protests earlier this year. If Brij Bhushan Singh’s business partner and a close aide is elected as the president of WFI, I quit wrestling…" Malik told media in a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.  Soon after the election results were announced, Brij Bhushan, unfazed by the allegations against him, proclaimed the victory as a triumph for the country's wrestlers.  He expressed hope that the wrestling activities, halted for 11 months during the protests, would now resume under the new leadership.  "A message has been given. Every akhaada (wrestling academy) in the country is bursting firecrackers. Dabdabaa tha, dabdabaa rahega! I want to give the credit of victory to the wrestlers of the country and the electors. I want to thank the government as well. The elections were done on the instructions of the Supreme Court... the Centre went ahead to make sure elections happened and a non-partisan person was chosen as president," Brij Bhushan said.  "This 'grahan' (eclipse) of 11 months on wrestling is over. Within 10 days, the landscape of wrestling will change again and we will perform in the Olympics the way people want us to," he added.
—IANS

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Bajrang Punia on Friday decided to return the prestigious Padma Shri award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Bajrang Punia to return Padma Shri award to PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi [India]: In a major decision, coming in light of fresh protests by star wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia over the election of an aide of deposed WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the new president of the wrestling federation, the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the sport's premier governing body in the country along with all its office-bearers. The decision came close on the heels of the newly elected WFI president Sanjay Singh announcing the hosting of the U-15 and U-20 nationals at Nandini Nagar in the Gond district of Uttar Pradesh by the end of the year.
Earlier, Olympian Sakshi Malik announced her retirement from wrestling at an emotional press briefing, claiming that the Centre went back on its word to not install an aide of Brij Bhushan as an office-bearer of the wrestling federation. Later, voicing his misgivings over the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI chief, fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri in protest. The star wrestlers earlier led a protest by wrestlers, who came out against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment. "This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI. As per clause 3 (e) of the preamble of the constitution of WFI, the object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange the holding of Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee," the Sports Ministry stated in a release on Sunday.  "Such decisions are to be taken by the Executive Committee, before which agendas are required to be placed for consideration. As per Article XI of the WFI constitution under the Heading 'Notices and Quorum for Meetings', the minimum notice period for EC meetings is 15 clear days and the quorum is of 1/3rd of representatives. Even for Emergency EC meetings, the minimum notice period is 7 clear days with a quorum requirement of 1/3rd of representatives," the ministry added. "Further, in terms of Article X (d) of the Constitution of WFI, it is the Secretary General of WFI, who has been made responsible for carrying out the general business of the Federation, keeping the minutes of the meetings, maintaining all the records of the Federation, calling the meetings of the General Council and the Executive Committee. It seems the Secretary-General has not been involved in the said meeting of EC, which was held without any notice or quorum," it stated further.  "The decisions made by the newly elected executive body of the WFI demonstrate a blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI's constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code. The newly elected body appeared to be in complete control of former office bearers in complete disregard to the Sports Code. The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers," the ministry added. On Friday, Bajrang Punia wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that he was returning his Padma Shri as a mark of protest over the results of the recent Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections. Sanjay Singh, an aide and confidante of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan, was elected president of the wrestling body.
—ANI

In a major decision, coming in light of fresh protests by star wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia over the election of an aide of deposed WFI president

Amid outcry over WFI polls, Sports Ministry suspends wrestling federation over 'hasty' announcements

Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India]: In his first reaction to the Centre's decision to suspend wrestling's premier governing body in the country, Sanjay Singh, who was elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), on Sunday said he has yet to receive a copy of the letter issued by the Union Sports Ministry. In light of protests by star grapplers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, the Union Ministry for Sports and Youth Affairs, on Sunday suspended the federation along with all its office-bearers.  An aide of the former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Sanjay Singh skirted comments on the Centre's decision, telling reporters, "I was on a flight. I don't know the details and have not received any letter yet. I will make a public statement only after going through the letter. I have heard that some decisions have been reversed." On Olympian Sakshi Malik's emotional press conference during which she announced her retirement from wrestling, claiming the Centre went back on its word not to install any aide of Brij Bhushan as an office bearer of the top wrestling body, he said, "I have no comments about Sakshi or anything else." The decision came close on the heels of the newly elected WFI president announcing the hosting of the U-15 and U-20 nationals at Nandini Nagar in the Gond district of Uttar Pradesh by the end of the year. Earlier this week, Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, a face of the wrestlers' protest against Brij Bhushan over sexual harassment allegations, announced that she was quitting wrestling. Her decision came within an hour after Sanjay Singh was elected as the new WFI chief, replacing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  Later, voicing his misgivings over the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI chief, fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri in protest. "This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI. As per clause 3 (e) of the preamble of the constitution of WFI, the object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange the holding of Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee," the Sports Ministry stated in a release on Sunday. "Such decisions are to be taken by the Executive Committee, before which agendas are required to be placed for consideration. As per Article XI of the WFI constitution under the Heading 'Notices and Quorum for Meetings', the minimum notice period for EC meetings is 15 clear days and the quorum is of 1/3rd of representatives. Even for Emergency EC meetings, the minimum notice period is 7 clear days with a quorum requirement of 1/3rd of representatives," the ministry added.  "Further, in terms of Article X (d) of the Constitution of WFI, it is the Secretary General of WFI, who has been made responsible for carrying out the general business of the Federation, keeping the minutes of the meetings, maintaining all the records of the Federation, calling the meetings of the General Council and the Executive Committee. It seems the Secretary-General has not been involved in the said meeting of EC, which was held without any notice or quorum," it stated further. "The decisions made by the newly elected executive body of the WFI demonstrate a blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI's constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code. The newly elected body appeared to be in complete control of former office bearers in complete disregard to the Sports Code. The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers," the ministry added. The star wrestlers in May led a protest of wrestlers, who came out against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment.&nbsp;
—ANI

In his first reaction to the Centre's decision to suspend wrestling's premier governing body in the country, Sanjay Singh

"Haven't received any letter yet": Sanjay Singh opens up on WFI suspension

Jhajjar (Haryana) [India]: On Wednesday morning, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached Virender Arya Akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar district and interacted with wrestlers, including Olympian Bajrang Punia.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/r1.webp" alt="Rahul Gandhi visit Virender Arya Akhara" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi interacted with the wrestlers and Coach Virendra Arya at the Akhara. The Akhara has been the training ground of several Olympians.

<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/r2.webp" alt="Bajrang Punia interaction Rahul Gandhi" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>

After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's visit to Jhajjar, wrestler Bajrang Punia said that Rahul Gandhi came to see their wrestling routine. "He came to see our wrestling routine. He did wrestling. He came to see the day-to-day activities of a wrestler," said Bajrang Punia.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/liverpool-go-top-united-rally-to-beat-villa" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/liverpool-go-top-united-rally-to-beat-villa</a> Bajrang's Coach Virendra Arya said the Congress MPs visit was a surprise and they were not informed of this. "Nobody told us that he's coming. We were practicing here and he came all of a sudden...He reached here around 6:15 am...He did exercise with us and then he told us about his exercise and sport. He has a lot of knowledge about sports...Nationals will take place but what would be done with this issue at hand?... What could he (Rahul Gandhi) do, only the government can do something" Coach Arya said. Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Akhara follows a visit by his sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's to the house of Olympian Sakshi Malikkh shortly after she had decided to quit the sport following the controversial elections of the Wrestling Federation. India's wrestling has seen a major shift since the conclusion of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections last week. Former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's aide Sanjay Singh was elected as the new president on Thursday, which caused a major disappointment among the wrestlers who were protesting against former WFI head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. After Singh's victory in the WFI elections, an emotional Sakshi Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling while addressing a press conference in the national capital. However, there was another twist when the Sports Ministry suspended the newly elected body of the WFI. Shortly after Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, another Olympian Vinesh Phogat announced on Tuesday that she would also return her Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Award. On Sunday Punia said he would not take back his Padma Shri award that he returned to the government until justice is given to his "sisters and daughters" fighting against sexual harassment and their perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), as per a source from the ministry.
—ANI

On Wednesday morning, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached Virender Arya Akhara in Chhara village of Jhajjar district

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visits Virender Arya Akhara in Jhajjar interacts with Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers

New Delhi: Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia on Saturday urged the Sports Ministry to restart the wrestling activities in the country with just seven months remaining for next year’s Paris Games, and said no one seemed to have taken the preparations for the quadrennial showpiece seriously.
Wrestling action has come to a standstill for the last several months owing to the turmoil within the fraternity following the grapplers’ protests against former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  Even the election of a new Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) committee could not restore normalcy as the Sports Ministry suspended the Sanjay Singh-led panel citing the violation of its own constitution in announcing the national U-15 and U-20 Championships.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/warner-is-not-selector-we-will-consider-green-for-opening-slot-in-test:-australia-coach-mcdonald" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/warner-is-not-selector-we-will-consider-green-for-opening-slot-in-test:-australia-coach-mcdonald</a>&nbsp;
"Wrestling activities have come to a standstill for the last several months. Neither has any nationals been held nor have any camps been organised to prepare the players (for Paris Olympics)," Punia wrote on his 'X' account.  Punia, who had decided to return his Padma Shri in protest over the election of Sanjay Singh, a Brij Bhushan loyalist, further said the preparation for the Olympics needed urgent attention.  "There is an Olympic Games after seven months but no one seems serious about it. Wrestling has given four consecutive medals in the last four Olympics,” he said.  Punia, a 65kg freestyle bronze winner in Tokyo Olympics, said the officials should keep in mind the players’ future.  "So, I request the Sports Ministry to start all wrestling activities as soon as possible so that the future of the players can be saved,” he added.  In the recent days, a slew of protest measures from the grapplers took the centre stage as Sakshi Malik decided to retire from wrestling while Vinesh Phogat decided to return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award in a letter addressed to PM Narendra Modi.
—PTI

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia on Saturday urged the Sports Ministry to restart the wrestling activities in the country with just seven months

Bajrang Punia urges Sports Ministry to restart wrestling activities in view of Paris Olympics

New Delhi: The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships within six weeks, hours after junior wrestlers held a protest at Jantar Mantar and demanded dissolution of the IOA-constituted committee.
The panel "acknowledged the concerns" of the young wrestlers who have been hit hard by the year-long protests by top India grapplers. Wrestling activities in the country have been hit hard following protests by the country's top three grapplers -- Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat -- against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  Neither the National camps nor the junior nationals have been held since January 2023.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/young-wrestlers-hold-protest-against-bajrang-sakshi-vinesh-in-delhi-accusing-them-of-%22ruining%22-wrestling" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/young-wrestlers-hold-protest-against-bajrang-sakshi-vinesh-in-delhi-accusing-them-of-%22ruining%22-wrestling</a>&nbsp;
Hundreds of junior wrestlers lost one full year due to the stalemate.  Bhupender Singh Bajwa, chairman of the three-member panel, assured the junior wrestlers that he would soon organise the sub junior and junior Nationals in Gwalior.  "The (ad-hoc) committee acknowledges the concerns raised by the young wrestlers (during the protest) and is committed to address the issues. The Committee is planning to organise the national championships for the U-15 and U-20 categories within the next six weeks at LNIPE, Gwalior," Bajwa said in a statement.  "The ad-hoc committee reaffirms its full commitment to the growth and development of wrestling in India, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance. The young wrestlers are advised to continue training and practising for these events," added the statement.  The ad-hoc panel was set up on December 27 after the ministry suspended the newly-elected body under Sanjay Singh.
—PTI

The ad-hoc panel, managing wrestling affairs in the country, on Wednesday announced organisation of U15 and U20 National championships

After junior wrestlers' protest, ad-hoc panel announces organisation of U-15, U-20 Nationals

New Delhi [India]: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to the Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports and Wrestling Federation of India on a plea moved by Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vines Phogat and Satyawrat Kadiyan challenging WFI circular to conduct selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament.
The bench of Justice Sachin Datta sought the response from all respondents and listed March 7, 2024, for a detailed hearing. The plea by Wrestlers stated that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India WFI conducting selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament notified through its circular on February 26, 2024, against the directives of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India by Indian Olympic Association and Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports. The plea alleged that the Petitioners along with numerous other athletes have been selectively targeted and harassed by WFI for being evidently vocal, outspoken and critical over WFI's blatant illegalities and corrupt malpractices including but not limited to allegations of Sexual Harassment by Federation office bearers. WFI, a National Sports Federation duly recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports held its elections on December 21, 2023. Immediately after the elections, the Ministry issued an order on December 24, abstaining the Executive Committee of WFI from carrying out any activities pertaining to managing and administrating the day-to-day activities of the Federation. The same order further directed the Indian Olympic Association to constitute an Ad-Hoc Committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India including the selection of athletes, making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events, holding sports activities, etc. with immediate effect, until further orders. The plea further stated that despite clear directions to WFI by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Olympic Association of India, the incumbent executive body of WFI had always acted illegally and overstepped the directives against the principles of National Sports Development Code-2011, r/w Judgment passed August 16, 2022, and contrary to the interest of wrestling athletes. Petitioners seek direction to Ad- hoc committee to continue administering the day-to-day affairs and management of WFI or in the alternative Appoint an Administrator who is preferable a Retd. Judge of the Supreme Court or a Retd. Judge of the High Court to take over the affairs and management of the WFI to ensure that the Olympic Association of India follows a time-bound proposed road map to restructure and reconstitute Respondent WFI.
—ANI

Delhi Court notices WFI & Sports Ministry on wrestlers' plea challenging trials for Asian Championships & Olympic Qualifiers amid corruption allegations.

The Hawk

Tag : Punia

Deepak Punia, Ankit Gulia Among Wrestlers Selected For Asian Wrestling Championship In Bahrain

Inam Ansari

Tag : Punia

Deepak Punia, Ankit Gulia Among Wrestlers Selected For Asian Wrestling Championship In Bahrain

Inam Ansari

More about Punia