Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Even after the Supreme Court cleared her participation, Vinesh Phogat faced last-minute hurdles ahead of the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday, May 30. However, the wrestler was eventually allowed to compete in the 53kg category after days of uncertainty and legal wrangling involving the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The federation had approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order that directed it to permit Phogat’s participation in the trials.
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Phogat had to fight hard to secure her place in the selection trials after the WFI attempted to block her participation. The federation had moved the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order that directed it to allow Phogat to compete in the trials. However, she eventually had the final word after winning the legal battle.
The uncertainty continued at the venue as Vinesh arrived at the Indira Gandhi Stadium at 6:30 am but was made to wait until around 8:20 am for her weigh-in. Notably, the three-time Olympian had initially planned her comeback in the 57kg category at the Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda before being barred from competing by the WFI. Phogat had turned up at the event in Uttar Pradesh only to return without competing.
WHAT’S THE OFFICIAL WORD?
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), meanwhile, issued an official statement saying the weigh-in for all categories, including the women’s 53kg division, was conducted as per schedule at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, with Vinesh Phogat among those who completed the required formalities and were cleared to compete in the selection trials. However, the statement did not address the confusion surrounding her weight category.
“The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women’s 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials,” the WFI said in a statement.
“All eligible wrestlers, including Ms. Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities.”
“Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly,” WFI added.
HOW WFI’S ATTEMPT TO STOP VINESH PHOGAT WAS REJECTED
Phogat was first allowed to compete by the Delhi High Court after she challenged a suspension imposed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over alleged procedural and disciplinary violations, including a missed dope test last year.
The WFI later approached the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court order, but the top court declined to stay her participation. The Delhi High Court also directed the Sports Ministry to appoint observers for the trials, while criticising the WFI’s attempt to block Phogat from competing.
WHO ARE THE OBSERVERS OF VINESH PHOGAT’S TRIAL?
When Vinesh Phogat competes in the high-profile women’s wrestling Asian Games
trials, former footballer Aditi Chauhan and Olympic gold-medallist hockey captain M M Somaiya will serve as observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Ministry.
Chauhan, a pioneering former goalkeeper who played professionally in the UK with West Ham United, is currently the Programme Officer for the IOA’s Athlete Commission (Safeguarding & National Olympic Academy), a role she took up earlier this year. She represented India 57 times before retiring from international football.
Somaiya was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Olympics and went on to captain the side at the 1988 Seoul Games. An Arjuna Award recipient, he brings decades of experience in Indian sport to the role.
With the legal hurdle currently resolved, focus now shifts back to the mat. Phogat will look to make her mark in the trials and strengthen her case with a strong performance.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
