HC quashes plea against Vinesh, Punia

The Delhi high court on Saturday quashed the petition by wrestlers Antim Panghal and Sujeet Kalkal opposing the direct Asian Games entry given to World Championships medallists Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia by the ad hoc committee running the sport.

- Richa Banka

The court said regulations made it clear that it was the selection committee's discretion to pick iconic wrestlers like Olympic and World Championship medallists without trials, provided it is recommended by the chief coach. The court said the panel had gone by the performances of Phogat and Punia in world events. Both won bronze in the worlds last September.

Panghal competes in 53kg like Phogat and Kalkal is in Punia's 65kg freestyle category. The exemption from trials means the two will only be standbys even if they win the trials that are currently on.

Justice Subramonium Prasad, in his verdict, said once the ad-hoc committee comprising wrestling experts had made a unanimous decision, to prevent any injury to Phogat and Punia during the trials, the courts must not substitute their opinions.