Bajrang, Vinesh Phogat get direct entry into Asian Games

Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia and World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat were on Tuesday given direct entry into the Asian Games by an ad hoc committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision, however, was taken without the consent of the national head coach. The ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a circular that it has already selected wrestlers in men’s freestyle 65kg and women’s 53kg. Despite this, trials will be held in all 6 weight categories in all the three styles. The ad-hoc committee did not name Bajrang and Vinesh in the circular, but panel member Ashok Garg confirmed that both the wrestlers have been exempted from trial. The Asian Games are to be held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September. Bajrang is currently training at Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan and Vinesh is training in Budapest, Hungary.