Wrestlers to train abroad; central government gives permission to Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat

NEW DELHI: Central government has given permission to wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to train abroad ahead of the Asian Games and the World Championships. Bajrang Punia has been given permission to train in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, and Vinesh Phogat in Budapest, Hungary. They will go abroad in the first week of July. Seven people including coaches are also allowed to go with them.

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat were at the forefront of the protest against the president of the wrestling federation and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who is accused in the sexual harassment case. The wrestlers had ended their strike after a charge sheet was filed against Brij Bhushan. Abroad training is a part of participating in selection trials for Asian Games and World Championships. Both the players had applied to the Sports Authority of India for permission to train abroad. The Union Sports Ministry informed that permission was granted within 24 hours of the application.

The Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8. The World Championships will be held in Belgrade from September 16 to 24.