The Indian wrestler, Antim Panghal took her fight to the Delhi High Court. Their grounds for the legal action are clear: discrimination and unfairness. Antim Panghal simply wants a fair trial. According to Antim’s father, the direct qualification to the Asian Games was simply biased and prejudiced. The legal battle will unfold in the Delhi High Court, and the wrestling community and sports enthusiasts eagerly waiting for the outcome.
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Earlier in the day, the ad-hoc committee running the Wrestling Federation of India announced that Bajrang Punia and the 28-year-old Vinesh Phogat will go to the Asian Games without appearing in trials.
“This is unfair. There should be trials and nobody should be selected directly. Antim is not a rookie, she has defeated wrestlers in her category and won medals at Asian Championships also,” said Vikash, Antim’s childhood coach. Last year in August, Antim Panghal created history at U-20 World Wrestling Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. She became the first-ever Indian woman wrestler to win the gold.
“The decision to give direct entry to Vinesh is unfair. I’ve been working hard for the past so many months for the Asian Games. We will speak to the officials of the ad-hoc panel, if they don’t agree to fair play, we might knock on the doors of the court or stage a dharna,” said, Antim Panghal
Antim Panghal holds the distinction of being the country’s first female wrestler to win the world U20 gold medal. Her achievements show her talent and potential, lending weight to her pursuit of fair treatment. This case has picked a broader conversation about the need for fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities in sports.
The case will arise many questions about future selection processes. The officials have to consider everyone in terms of taking a decision during a situation like this.
