Wrestlers approaches Olympic Council of Asia for extension of Asian Games trials

In the backdrop of wrestlers' protests against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) has approached the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for an extension in trials of the Asia Games. The development comes as Bajrang Punia, one of the leading wrestlers in protest is wishing to compete in the upcoming Asian Games.

According to reports, the wrestlers wrote a letter to Deputy Sports Secretary SPS Tomar on Friday. Subsequently, the ministry official proceeded to transmit the request to the temporary governing body responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday.

"Yes we had received the letter that was written by the wrestlers, and accordingly, it was decided that OCA's view can be taken if they are willing to extend the deadline for the wrestlers," the official with the knowledge of the matter said.

The request for extension is made to provide additional time to the wrestlers for training as it has been months since they are protesting for their demands. 

The 2023 Asian Games are scheduled from 23 September to 8 October in Hangzhou, China.

Bajrang Punia resumes training

Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia has resumed his training at the Bahalgar SAI center. In the 2023 Asian Games trials, Surjeet Kalakal will turn out to be the biggest rival of Bajrang Punia. Surjeet Kalakal is the reigning national champion and the U23 Asian champion.

Delhi Police files chargesheet

Earlier, Delhi Police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case of sexual harassment against India's top wrestlers. The police also submitted photographic evidence and video proof to substantiate the claims of the wrestlers.

"All the six female complainants in the case recorded their statements in detail and we have collected supporting evidence which are in the form of call details record (available from last year), photos and videos are part of the charge sheet," a police source told PTI.

(With agency inputs)