Wrestling fans in India can celebrate the spirit of Vinesh Phogat to have competed in two weight categories in the selection trials held at the NIS Patiala on Monday. She triumphed in the 50kg category and broke down when releasing pent-up emotions. But the moot point is, were those in-charge of the trials right in allowing the superstar to compete in 50kg and 53kg categories?
There was no apparent glitch in the men’s trials held in SAI Sonipat a day earlier.
However, in Patiala, there was confusion galore. Article 7 of United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules makes it clear that while each contestant deemed to be taking part of his/her own free will, and responsible for himself/herself, shall be allowed to compete in one weight category: the one corresponding to his weight at the time of the official weigh-in.
If this is the rule from the world body, then allowing Vinesh to compete in two categories was wrong. In combat sport like boxing, weightlifting and wrestling, there is a weigh-in for each category. Did Vinesh weigh-in twice? Obviously, there has been a goof-up and this has the potential to hurt Indian wrestling even more.
We are made to believe the trials were held by the WFI and the draw has the stamp of UWW. RevSportz posted a video on Monday showing some wrestlers complaining to former India international hockey captain MM Somayya. It is well known that Somayya is not part of the Wrestling Federation of India.
The big question being asked is if all wrestlers treated fairly in Patiala. The more one tries to sweep dirt under the carpet, the worse it gets for India. Certainly, whoever was making decisions in Patiala has been exposed. If there was an attempt to accommodate Vinesh Phogat, who is keen to compete in the Paris Olympics, that’s well chronicled now.
The delay in holding bouts in two weight categories was captured in a video and put out by RevSportz. Just imagine, wrestlers compete for a short period in each bout but they have to eat food accordingly so that they are not short in calories and energy.
If what was said to the media present in Patiala on Monday by ‘officials’ is to be believed, it becomes clear that they have no clue about the rules. Some have said UWW rules are only for international competitions. But the ball will eventually be in UWW court and it remains to be see if the trial results pass muster or are scrapped.
Besides, ‘officials’ will be hard pressed to prevent other wrestlers from moving court for having flouted the rules and delaying the competition because one grappler was allowed to compete in two weight categories. Had the announcement of such an allowance be made earlier, more wrestlers may have wanted to sign up in two weight categories.
Vinesh did sweat and compete hard. No point blaming her. But then, was there nobody aware enough to read the rule book to her and explain she could be in the draw for one weight category only? Who succumbed to her demand that she be allowed to compete in the 53kg trials ahead of the Paris Olympics,?
Last but not the least, there is a lack of clarity on the WFI selection policy for the Paris Olympics. Will there be a final trial before Paris 2024 for all weight categories in which India has a quota?
🚨Vinesh Phogat speaks to the media after winning the 50kg trial in Patiala on Monday.@ThumsUpOfficial @BoriaMajumdar @kannandelhi @Phogat_Vinesh #VineshPhogat pic.twitter.com/lBXk9t1F4C
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) March 11, 2024