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'If Trials Are Only In The Hands Of WFI, And Govt Can't Do Anything Then We Won't Participate In It', Says Bajrang Punia

By IANS News February 29, 2024 • 13:18 PM View: 334

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh: Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia on Thursday made it clear that they -- Vinesh Phogat, retired Sakshi Malik and other protesting wrestlers – will not take part in the national trials announced by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), till the government intervene in the matter and provide a "proper solution".

On Monday, the WFI has invited the protesting grapplers to participate in the trials in March to select the teams for two top Asian competitions, including the 2024 Paris Games Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Bajrang said, "We don’t know what is happening. Why is the government not doing anything? WFI is holding state elections, using government money, and holding trials despite getting suspended by the sports ministry. This is really disheartening. If trials are only in the hands of WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) and the government won’t do anything, then we will not go for the trials too."