Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat
– Photo: Social Media
Expansion
Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former president of Wrestling Federation of India, have got a big relief. The Sports Ministry has given permission to both of them to go abroad for training. The ministry has allowed Olympic medalists Bajrang and Vinesh to train in Kyrgyzstan and Hungary under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Bajrang and Vinesh had sought time till August 10 to prepare for the Asian Games and World Championship trials. The two wrestlers, who were at the forefront of the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had proposed the preparations to the Sports Ministry on Wednesday, which were approved within 24 hours.
Vinesh will go to Hungary after Kyrgyzstan
According to a release issued by the Sports Authority of India, Bajrang will participate in a 36-day training camp in Kyrgyzstan. Whereas, Vinesh will practice for a week in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. After that she will participate in an 18-day training camp in Hungary.
Coach and physio will also go along
Coming to Bajrang, he will be accompanied by coach Sujit Mann, physio Anuj Gupta, practice partner Jitender and conditioning specialist Kazi Hasan. Whereas, Vinesh will be supported by physio Ashwini Patil, practice partner Sangeeta Phogat and coach Sudesh. The wrestlers’ preparations abroad mean that they have no plans to hit the streets for the time being.
Coaches said exemption will have bad effect
On the other hand, Bhupender Singh Bajwa, a member of the ad hoc committee constituted to conduct wrestling activities, held a meeting with the chief coaches of the wrestling team in Meerut. Sources reveal that the coaches made it clear to Bajwa that it would have a bad effect if the wrestlers were exempted from the trials.
The situation regarding the trial is not yet clear
The agitating wrestlers are going abroad for preparations. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is yet to respond to the extension of the entry date for the Asian Games beyond July 15. If the OCA is not approved, the committee will have no option but to conduct the trial before July 15. In such a situation, it will be a matter to be seen how the wrestlers who have gone abroad for preparations will play the trials.
