In a bold move, the ad-hoc committee allowed for wrestling gave nod to Jakarta Asian Games gold medallist, Vinesh Phogat to contest in both the 50kg and 53kg categories at the national trials held in Patiala. This decision came despite the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules stating that a wrestler can only compete in one weight category. The ad-hoc committee chairman for wrestling, Bhupender Singh Bajwa, confirmed that the committee unanimously agreed to accommodate Vineshs request.Vinesh secured her spot in the Paris Olympics Qualification tournament, which will be organized in Kyrgyzstans Bishkek in May. She secured her spot by defeating Shivani in the 50kg weight category with a score of 11-6. However, she faced a setback in the 53kg category, losing to Anju by technical superiority with a score of 0-10.The delay in the commencement of the trials occurred as Vinesh demanded a written assurance to compete in both weight categories, causing a delay of two-and-a-half hours.Vinesh Phogat secures win in 50 kg trials held at PatialaRead @ANI Story | https://t.co/bY3BOlA3n2 #VineshPhogat #wrestling #Olympics pic.twitter.com/BJHrLn8HpN— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 11, 2024What does the rules sayAccording to Article 7 of the UWW regulations, each contestant is allowed to compete in only one weight category corresponding to their weight during the official weigh-in.Bajwa explained that the winners of the Patiala trials would participate in the Asia Olympic Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan, followed by the World Olympic Qualifiers in May. Meanwhile, the runners-up would compete in the Asia Championships, with the winner of that event challenging the Olympic quota winner in late May.My sole target is the Olympics, says Vinesh PhogatAfter the victory, Vinesh said, This marks a small victory for me, but the main focus remains on the Olympics. In a month, there are (Olympic) qualifications (events) followed by the Games itself. My sole target is the Olympics. If luck is on my side, I believe, I can achieve what I couldnt in the last two Olympics, Vinesh told PTI Video.Six years ago, I competed in the 50kg category, facing numerous challenges, especially with reducing the weight and post-operative recovery. Despite the hurdles, Im determined to focus on the Olympic qualifiers, she added. Antim Panghal (53kg) is currently the sole wrestler who has secured a Paris Olympics quota place.
