The turmoil in Indian wrestling continues as Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia, amidst a deepening rift with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has steadfastly refused to participate in the upcoming national trials scheduled for March 10th and 11th. Punia’s stance adds new uncertainty to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the road to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Roots of the Conflict
Punia, alongside top wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, led a prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi earlier this year. They accused WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and mismanagement. Though Singh has since stepped aside pending an inquiry, Punia remains resolute in his boycott.
Punia’s Firm Stance
“How can a suspended body announce trials? I don’t get what the government’s compulsion is (on allowing WFI to conduct trials)?” stated a defiant Punia, questioning the authorities’ inaction toward the troubled federation.
Punia, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, maintains that he, along with fellow protestors Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, will not yield until the government intervenes and provides a “proper solution” to the ongoing issues.
Government Caught in the Crossfire
While the UWW (United World Wrestling) has lifted the suspension on WFI, the Indian government remains cautious. Though they too suspended the federation for alleged misconduct, they have yet to follow suit with the UWW’s lead, adding another layer of complexity to the dispute.
Olympic Aspirations in Peril
The ongoing turmoil casts a long shadow over India’s wrestling ambitions for the Paris Olympics. The trials represent a crucial step in selecting the team, with further qualification events looming on the horizon. The absence of star wrestlers like Punia, Phogat, and Malik could significantly impact India’s chances on the international stage.