Final selection of wrestlers will be made prior to departure for Asian Games: IOA on exemptions to Bajrang, Vinesh

After Vinesh Phogat (53kg) and Bajrang Punia (65kg) were given direct entries for the Asian Games the Indian Olympic Association’s ad-hoc committee on Tuesday, the IOA on Wednesday said that the final selection of wrestlers will be made prior to departure for Asian Games.
While Vinesh and Bajrang were given direct entries, other wrestlers will have to book their places in the Indian squad through selection trials on July 22 and 23.
In a statement released, Indian Olympic Association (I0A) said: “The criterion for selection in individual events, aims to identify athletes who have consently demonstrated their abilities and have the potential to compete at the highest level. In team events, the focus will be on selecting sports that have achieved a top 8 ranking in Asia in the last one year preceding the Asian Games.”
“This approach will guarantee that team sports with a proven track record of excellence and competitiveness in the region gets the opportunity to represent India,” it added.
According to the IOA, the selection process for wrestlers to participate in the Asian Games is designed to be fair, fransparent, and in accordance with the guidelines set forth the International Federation.

“The Selection Committee, comprising experienced officials and experts, has recently published the norms for selection of wrestlers, so that the entry process of the team including reserves can be completed before 23 Jul 2023. To maximize the chances of sending the most competitive wrestling team to the Asian Games 2022, the final selection of wrestlers will be made prior to departure of the team for the competition. This approach will enable us to assess the athletes’ current form, consider their recent performances, and take info account any last-minute developments that may have impacted the selection process,” it further added.
Earlier, reigning U23 Asian champion Sujeet Kalkal on Wednesday slammed the IOA ad-hoc committee for granting direct entry to Bajrang Punia for the Asian Games, saying it was unfair on the next generation wrestlers who aspire to become Olympic champions.
Reigning Under-20 World Champion Antim Panghal also questioned the Asian Games trials exemption given to to Vinesh Phogat.