WFI Chief making proxy decisions for Vinesh Phogat, wrestler's counsel tells Delhi HC
New Delhi: A day after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics, her lawyer informed the Delhi High Court that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Sanjay Singh were making proxy decisions for her. Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing Vinesh, argued that WFI is "being manned by proxies" and that Sanjay Singh was dictating actions concerning Vinesh.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Vinesh, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, seeking fresh elections for the wrestling body. Mehra noted that the WFI’s elected executive committee was suspended in December 2023 by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, leaving the federation under the control of proxies.
Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik also announced her retirement from wrestling following Sanjay Singh's election as WFI president. In an emotional press conference, she removed her shoes and placed them on the dais, expressing her disillusionment with the current state of affairs.
During the hearing, Union government’s standing counsel Anil Soni declined to present arguments, stating that the nation stood with Vinesh. Justice Purushaindra Kaurav directed the government to submit its pleadings within a week, allowing the wrestlers to respond if necessary. The case has been adjourned to September 12.
Mehra requested an earlier hearing date, citing the national interest and the widespread upset caused by the situation. Vinesh, who had made history by defeating four-time world champion Yui Sasaki in the quarterfinals, was disqualified from the gold medal match against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt due to a weight discrepancy of just 100 grams.
Four lawyers in Paris filed a protest appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Vinesh's behalf, working pro bono. Former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve agreed to represent her at the CAS hearing on August 9, which will determine whether Vinesh will receive a joint silver medal.
The controversy revolves around the weigh-in rules, which require two weigh-ins—one before the competition and another before the medal matches. Vinesh had competed in both the 50 kg and 53 kg weight categories during national trials, conducted by an ad-hoc committee before the Olympic qualifiers. However, the trials were not held in writing, and Vinesh was forced to compete in the 50 kg category in Paris, as the WFI did not conduct further trials after dissolving the committee on March 18.
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Remarks against St Francis Xavier: Right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar gets bail
Panaji (PTI): A court in Goa on Saturday granted bail to right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, who was arrested after he allegedly made derogatory comments against St Francis Xavier.
Judicial Magistrate First Class, Vasco, granted regular bail to Khattar, currently admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim for treatment of chest pain after he was shifted from the District Hospital in Mapusa two days back.
A row erupted after a video of remarks by Khattar, the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, at an event on April 18 in the presence of Swami Brahmeshanand, State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji (Krishna) Salkar, went viral.
St Francis Xavier is revered as the patron saint of Goa.
The controversial remarks led to the Vasco Police registering an FIR against Khattar on charges of hurting religious sentiments and creating enmity between groups.
He was detained in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, by local police. His custody was later handed over to the Goa Crime Branch, according to officials.
