“Regarding my participation in the 53kg category, it is crucial to understand that Article 7 of the UWW regulations, which stipulates that each contestant may compete in only one weight category corresponding to their official weigh-in, applies to international events and not national trials,” Vinesh said.
Vinesh Phogat on Thursday took to social media and cleared the air on certain issues as well as the controversy on her participating in the both the 50 kg category and the 53 kg category in the selection trials for the Asian Olympic qualifiers and Asian Championships.
“There have been claims circulating that I did not undergo a doping test after the trials. I want to clarify that I, along with all other finalists, have undergone doping tests after both the senior nationals held in the previous month and following the recent trials,” she said in the statement.
“Regarding my participation in the 53kg category, it is crucial to understand that Article 7 of the UWW regulations, which stipulates that each contestant may compete in only one weight category corresponding to their official weigh-in, applies to international events and not national trials. This was confirmed by the Ad-hoc committee and officials, allowing me to participate in both the 50kg and 53kg categories during the trials,” she continued.
“The fluctuating circumstances that can arise surrounding the qualification pathway for the 53 kg category, because of disputes between the Ad-hoc committee and WFI, have created uncertainty and instability in the rules and regulations governing future competitions in India. In light of the ongoing issues and the potential for leadership changes between the Ad-hoc committee and WFI, I felt compelled to secure my path to the Olympic Games by participating in both weight categories, as my Olympic weight category has historically been 53kg. Regrettably, my participation has raised more questions than answers, especially concerning the involvement of WFI officials in the trials despite court orders to the contrary,” she added.
On Monday at the selection trials, Vinesh started the day by weighing in for the 50kg Olympic weight category and shocked most who expected her to compete in her usual 53kg event. She also insisted that she wanted to be a part of the 53 kg trial, and essentially fight in two different weight classes.
The Haryana wrestler was clinical in her bouts and won her first two contests, one in each weight category, with ease. She continued to win her 50kg matches, while giving a bye in the 53kg fight as well as conceding an eight-second loss by technical superiority in the next fight.
The 53kg category was a round-robin format and all Vinesh needed was one win to ensure that she would be among the top four wrestlers in the class. In the space of a few bouts, she had ensured top spot in the lower weight class as well as maneuvered a way into contending for the quota spot won by Antim Panghal, should that opportunity arise.
Source:indianexpress.com