The Haryana Khaps distanced themselves from the wrestler selection dispute for the upcoming Asian Games on Saturday, stating only the national federation can make the decision.
This was resolved at a Khap panchayat (village council) meeting in Haryana's Jind district, which was presided over by Om Prakash of Kandela village.
In July, disgruntled wrestlers and their families threatened to skip the Asian Games trials in protest at the exemption granted to Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia (65 kg) and world medalist Vinesh Phogat (53 kg).
Vinesh has since had surgery, and Bajrang has stated that he will follow the verdict of the Khap panchayats.
After claims of sexual harassment against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Khaps endorsed Bajrang, Vinesh, and Sakshi Malik.
"Today's panchayat was solely for the athletes. Concerning the selection of wrestlers for the Asian Games, Om Prakash stated, "The panchayat has concluded that this is not a matter for the Khaps to decide, and it is for the federation to address."
"Only the athletes' federation (WFI) can make this decision, not the Khap." The Khap panchayat is steering clear of this. Today's Khaps were mostly from the Jind district. We will leave this to the federation, and the Khaps will not intervene," he stressed.
The previous two panchayats had been inconclusive. Bajrang, whose direct entry into the Asian Games sparked the uproar, did not compete on Saturday.
He has stated that whatever decision the 'Khap panchayat' makes, he "will agree" to.
During their protest against the WFI strongman from Gonda, UP, the wrestlers were supported by the Khap panchayat, farmers, and some top-tier athletes, including reigning Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra.
(With PTI inputs)
