Vishal wins only a stand-by spot to Bajrang despite dominating the Asian Games selection trials

Indian wrestling contingent for Asian Games finalized after selection trials; controversy around Bajrang Punia's direct entry remains. Chhatrasal Stadium dominated with four of six winners. World Championships trials likely on August 10-11; Bajrang and Vinesh expected to compete. Vishal Kaliraman dejected despite dominating performances, questioning direct entry. He hopes for a positive outcome and is ready to go to Supreme Court if needed.

The Indian wrestling contingent for the upcoming Asian Games was completed on Sunday after selection trials in the men’s freestyle, but the controversy around the direct entry to Bajrang Punia remained the talking point at the Indira Gandhi stadium.

Vishal Kaliraman overcame Rohit 9-3 in the final of the 65kg to earn a stand-by spot in the category and was expectedly dejected even after a day of dominating performances.

“It’s been so hard today, fighting five bouts and only drinking water all day. I have been training at the Chhatrasal Stadium for 10–12 years and about five years before that in the village — for these opportunities. But if you include someone directly then what is the point of all our hard work and performances? This is like destroying the careers of youngsters and juniors. We have been working so hard for so many years,” he said.

“I only wanted to win all my bouts today and come out on top and I did that. Bajrang has been named directly in the team but I am confident if he was also here, I would have won. On the mat, names don’t matter.

“We respect our seniors but in competitions you have to fight everyone. I only want to tell him (Bajrang), give trials and earn your spot. This is not about any one person.

“Everyone has to fight and the one who works hardest and wins will go ahead. I still hope something positive will happen but we will go even to the Supreme Court if we have to fight for our rights,” he added. 

Chhatrasal, in fact, dominated the proceedings with four of the six winners belonging to the famed centre.