Please announce date, time, venue, format of Olympic trials: Vinesh Phogat to sports ministry

NEW DELHI: Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has called upon the sports ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to promptly announce the details of the trials, including the time, date, venue, and format.

With just three months remaining until the Paris Olympics, Vinesh emphasises the importance of clarity in the selection process.

Vinesh, who has been a vocal advocate against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh amid allegations of sexual harassment against female grapplers, secured the 50kg Olympic quota in Bishkek last month. However, in accordance with the regulations, she will need to undergo trials before the final squad is determined.

Currently, five Indian women wrestlers have qualified for the Paris Games, while only one male wrestler, Aman Sehrawat, has secured a spot for the global event.

"Despite being just under three months away from Paris Olympics, the Wrestling Federation of India has yet to announce the official trials format, including the date, time and venue.

"It is to be noted that all federations have announced the qualification pathway and clear format way back in December, 2023, or latest in January, 2024," Vinesh wrote on 'X".


"I request Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, IOA, Wrestling Federation of India to prioritize this matter and promptly announce the dates, time, venue and exact format of the trials officially.

"Our athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their quotas and they deserve assurance and support of a transparent and well-defined selection process," she further wrote.

As Vinesh prepares for her third Olympics, she emphasises the importance of clarity in the selection process, stating that it will undoubtedly enhance the chances of earning medals at the Paris Games.

(With PTI inputs)