Decision to exempt Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat from Asia Games trials will hurt wrestling in India: Brij Bhushan

The recent decision by the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc panel to exempt wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat from the Asian Games trials has sparked controversy within India's wrestling community.

The recent decision by the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc panel to exempt wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat from the Asian Games trials has sparked controversy within India's wrestling community. The outgoing chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has expressed his disappointment over the decision, describing it as "unfortunate" and detrimental to the sport in the country.

Singh, who is currently facing sexual harassment allegations from female wrestlers, voiced his concerns in an exclusive interaction with PTI. He stated that the exemption would negatively impact the sport, which has seen significant growth due to the hard work of athletes, their parents, and fans.

"I am pretty anguished since the ad-hoc panel took this decision. It will hurt the sport of wrestling in this country. A lot of people have worked hard to lift this sport. The athletes, their parents, the fans of the sport, have all worked hard," Singh said.

"Today, wrestling is one sport where an Olympic medal is considered guaranteed. And the decision that these wrestlers will go to a competition like the Asian Games, is an unfortunate one."