Vinesh Phogat, a renowned Indian female wrestler, secured her spot in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers for the 50kg category. Despite facing controversy over alleged skipping of a dope test and causing a delay of nearly three hours during the trials, she managed to qualify in two weight divisions, a first in her career.
Phogat triumphed over Shivani with a score of 11-6, earning her ticket to the Qualifiers set to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from April 19 to 21. This achievement comes amidst her ongoing protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom she accuses of sexual harassment.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Qualifies 50 Kg Trial
Renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat triumphed in the women’s 50 kg trials held in Patiala on Monday. This victory secures her spot in the upcoming Asian Championships and Olympic Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan.
Scheduled from April 11 to 16, the Asian Wrestling Championships will be followed by the Asian Olympic Qualifiers from April 19 to 21. Vinesh’s win over wrestler Shivani in the trials keeps her hopes alive for the Olympics.
However, it’s worth noting that star wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya faced setbacks in the selection trials held recently. As a result, they won’t be participating in the Paris Olympics qualification rounds. Despite clinching medals in the previous Tokyo Olympics (bronze for Bajrang and silver for Ravi), they couldn’t make it through this time’s selection trials.
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Drama Surrounding Vinesh’s Alleged Doping Test Refusal
The situation became more intense when it was claimed that she didn’t cooperate with a doping test request after the matches. A source from the federation informed PTI that Vinesh didn’t provide her sample when the NADA team was collecting samples from the national trial winners.
However, an official from the ad-hoc committee, speaking anonymously to PTI, stated that he wasn’t aware of any such behavior from Vinesh.
According to NADA rules, not cooperating with sample collection, or refusing to provide a sample without a valid reason after being notified by an authorized person, could lead to an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).
Vinesh Phogat Olympic Journey
Vinesh expressed her happiness over a small win she achieved but emphasized her main goal remains the Olympics. She mentioned upcoming qualification events and the Games themselves. Her focus is solely on the Olympics, aiming to achieve what she couldn’t in the last two attempts.
Six years ago, she faced many challenges in the 50kg category, including weight reduction and recovery from surgery. Despite the obstacles, she’s determined to concentrate on Olympic qualification.
Before her matches, Vinesh requested assurance for a final trial in the 53kg weight class before the Olympics. Although she lost her bout, she aimed to compete in the 53kg category. Due to unclear guidelines and Antim Panghal securing a quota, she participated in the 50kg category as well, hoping to win a quota for India.
There was controversy over Vinesh being allowed to compete in two weight categories. According to UWW rules, participants can only compete in one category on a single day. Some wrestlers complained about the delay caused by her participation in both categories.
Despite the previous announcement by the IOA ad-hoc panel about holding a final trial to select India’s representative in the 53kg category, there’s a new twist. The top four wrestlers in the 53kg category will have another trial closer to the Olympic Games. The winner of that trial will face off against Antim, and the ultimate winner will represent India.
During the trials, one coach expressed Vinesh’s concern about government assurance. Vinesh worries that if control goes back to the wrestling federation (WFI), they might change the selection policy. However, it’s not within the government’s authority to interfere in selection matters, the coach pointed out.
The chairman of the three-member ad-hoc committee, Bhupender Singh Bajwa, supported Vinesh’s request. He stated that the committee unanimously decided to accommodate her request to compete in both categories.
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Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Qualifies 50 Kg Trial FAQs
Q.1. Did Vinesh Phogat qualify for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers?
Ans. Yes, Vinesh Phogat triumphed in the women’s 50kg trials, securing her spot in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers.
Q.2. What controversies surrounded Vinesh Phogat’s qualification?
Ans. Allegations arose regarding her alleged skipping of a doping test and causing a delay during the trials.
Q.3. Why did star wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya face setbacks?
Ans. Despite their previous Olympic success, Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya faced setbacks in the selection trials, barring them from participating in the Paris Olympics qualification rounds.
Q.4. What were the allegations regarding Vinesh Phogat’s doping test?
Ans. It was claimed that Vinesh Phogat didn’t cooperate with a doping test request after the matches, which could lead to an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) as per NADA rules.
Q.5. How was Vinesh Phogat’s participation in two weight categories received?
Ans. There was controversy over Vinesh Phogat being allowed to compete in two weight categories, with some wrestlers complaining about the delay caused by her participation in both.
