Patiala (Punjab): Vinesh Phogat, who is the first Indian women wrestler to clinch a gold medal in both Commonwealth and Asian Games, created drama at Wrestling Olympics Qualifier Trials here as she didn't let selection trials start in the women's 50kg and 53kg categories and demanded a written assurance from the authorities that the final trails will be held in the 53kg weight class before the Paris games.
Vinesh, who is one of the three prominent faces of the wrestler's protest, had accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, was present at the Sports Authority of India center to compete in the 50kg trials during the in Olympics wrestling qualifiers and secure a place in India's contingent, who will represent India.
The 29-year-old used to compete in 53kg before the protest but has lowered her weight class since Antim Panghal has already earned an Olympic quota in that category. However, Vinesh did not let the competition start and demanded a written assurance. She also sought permission to compete in both 50kg and 53kg trials on Monday, leading to a bizarre situation.
The officials went into discussions with the wrestlers, who are to compete in the 50kg weight class. "We are waiting since the past 2.5 hours," they said.
