Did Not Run Away From Trials; Good To See Youngsters Fighting For Their Rights: Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia

Facing the wrestling fraternity's wrath for accepting exemption from the Asian Games trials, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Monday said they are hurt that young wrestlers dragged them to the court but are at the same time delighted to see the junior grapplers starting to fight for their rights. The IOA ad-hoc panel conducted trials in all 18 categories for the Hangzhou Games but decided to give direct entries to Bajrang (65kg) and Vinesh (53kg), triggering angry reactions from many in the wrestling fraternity. Junior wresters Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal approached the Delhi High Court, appealing that the exemption be set aside but their petition was dismissed.

Both Bajrang and Vinesh, who are abroad at different locations for training, came live on social media to respond to the allegations and recent developments.

"We are not against the trials. I can't blame Antim. She is not wrong. She is fighting for her right and we are fighting for our right. She is too young, she does not understand. But we are not wrong," Vinesh said.

"We fought against the system, against the powerful. We took blows on our heads, no one came forward (then).

"She says she was cheated, but did I cheat (during CWG trials)?  If at all it was done, it was done by Brij Bhushan, or got it done. My job was to wrestle, and I did that.

"If she felt cheated then she should have gone to court at that time. It hurts. But I am glad the kids have started speaking, they are gathering courage now. It's positive for wrestling," said Vinesh, the two-time World Championship medallist.

Bajrang said they wanted to speak on the issue only after the trials and after the decision of the Delhi High Court order on the petition.

"It was said that there are 3-4