National Coaches Tell IOA Ad-hoc Panel Trial Exemption Decision For Protesting Wrestlers Has Irked Wrestling Community: Report

The top coaches of the country on Thursday informed the IOA ad-hoc panel, running the WFI, that the decision to exempt six protesting grapplers from Asian Games and World Championships trials has not gone down well with the wrestling fraternity. The ad-hoc panel head Bhupender Singh Bajwa, in an informal meeting held in Meerut, heard views from national freestyle coach Jagmander Singh, national Greco-Roman coach Hargobind Singh and national women's coach Virender Singh Dahiya.

"The three coaches told Mr Bajwa that there is aguish among established as well as upcoming wrestlers. People who run Akhadas and the sport practitioners are angry at this unfair and biased decision," an IOA source told PTI.

"No decision was taken but Mr Bajwa told them that the panel will look into it," the source added.

Bajwa had written, on June 16, to Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Satyawart Kadian, Jitender Kinha and Sangeeta Phogat that they will compete against the winners of the Asian Games and World Championships trial winners in August.

The wrestlers had claimed that they did not seek exemption but asked for only additional time for preparation.

The coaches also discussed the team composition for the upcoming World Cadet Championship, junior and U15 international tournaments.

"It was also discussed that the National camp for both men and women will begin after the Asian Games trials. The men's camp will be held as usual at the SAI centre in Bahalgarh while the women's camp could be held either in Delhi or Patiala," the source said.

A final date for Asian Games and World Championships trials will be communicated soon.

"The panel now has to decide if the exemption given to six wrestlers should be withdrawn or not," added the