Medallists from Jaipur, Pune nationals eligible for wrestling trials

“The court’s directives meant only the ad-hoc panel can organise trials but the UWW will not accept their entries. At this point of time, there can be no other option but hold the trials to make sure Indian wrestlers compete in the Olympic qualifier and continental event,” a source keeping track of the developments told The New Indian Express.

It must be understood that once the UWW says it recognises the WFI, no other entity can organise the trials, including appointing technical delegates to oversee the trials. It is learnt that all stakeholders decided to form a committee of observers with a representative each from WFI, sports ministry, ad-hoc panel and IOA. However, it is learnt that WFI will appoint the referees and other officials for the competitions. “The coaches and referees will sign the results, which would be sent to UWW on Monday after the trials. No one from the ad-hoc panel will sign the results,” added the source.

WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh is unlikely to be present but an office-bearer from the Delhi Wrestling Association could be WFI’s representative in the trials.

The participation of the protesting wrestlers — Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat — will be ascertained at the time of weigh-in. Vinesh competed in the Jaipur nationals and won gold in the 55kg weight category while Bajrang skipped the tournament as he was training in Russia. He, however, has returned to the country and his participation is expected to garner a lot of headlines if he decides to compete. The New Indian Express tried to reach out to him enquiring about his decision but he remained incommunicado. Sakshi has already announced her retirement from the sport and stated clearly that she will not return to the mat.