Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat break silence on Christianity after trail waiver at Asian Games

India’s top wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Monday broke their silence on the criticism they are facing for accepting trial exemption. Both the wrestlers did a joint live session on Facebook and responded to the allegations made by wrestler Antim Phanghan on his exemption from trials for the Asian Games, Hangzhou.

During the live session, Vinesh addressed the allegations leveled by ANTIM saying, “We are not against the trial. I am not blaming ANTIM. She is too young to understand. She is right in her place. She is fighting for her right and we are fighting for ours. But we are not wrong.”

Both the wrestlers addressed the allegations that were leveled against them after the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee exempted them from trials and direct entry into the team in their respective weight categories.

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Wrestler Avinash Panghal has questioned the exemption given to wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into the Asian Games 2023 through a video communication on Wednesday.

Two days ago, the Delhi High Court on Saturday dismissed a petition filed by wrestlers, Avinash Panghal and Sujit Kalkal on exemption granted to wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat for direct entry into Asian Games 2023.

Vinesh said, “We have given 20 years to wrestling. We have worked very hard. If he felt that something was wrong, he should have gone to the court. But I am happy that at least the kids have finally started speaking up, they are gathering courage now. It is positive for wrestling.”

Top wrestler Bajrang Punia further said that Vinesh has not been defeated and will not be defeated by the wrestlers who have recently challenged her to a match.

Bajrang said, “It was said that there are 3-4 wrestlers who can beat Vinesh but dear last, Vinesh has not lost till now and will not lose.”

IOA ad-hoc committee member Bhupender Singh Bajwa on Saturday confirmed that the exemption granted to veteran wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia from the Asian Games selection trials was in line with their policies.

Speaking to ANI, Bajwa said, “The relaxation is as per our policy. Relaxation can be given to protect good players from injuries. There is nothing wrong in it. It is given as per our policy.”