Even though Vinesh Phogat was eliminated without competition before the final of Paris Olympics 2024 due to weight, the same thing happened with her opponent in the qualifying round held in India. She was eligible but Vinesh Phogat was given preference in her place. The story of this female wrestler is no less than Vinesh Phogat. Let us know about Shivani Pawar who could have gone to the Olympics but she did not get this opportunity.

Who is Shivani Pawar?

Shivani Pawar is a national wrestling champion. She hails from Umareth village in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. Shivani has many achievements in wrestling to her name. In the Asian Championship, Shivani won the medal by defeating a three-time world championship medalist wrestler. She won a bronze medal for India in the 50 kg category at the Asian Women's Wrestling Championship held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Why Shivani did not reach the Olympics

However, even after this, she did not get a chance to go to the Olympics. Like Vinesh Phogat, Shivani also plays in the 50 kg category. However, the responsibility of representing India in the Olympics was given to Vinesh Phogat. Shivani was preparing for the Olympics for the last three years. Shivani, who missed going to the Olympics, while discussing the process of trials, said, if the selection was done through trials according to the rules, then the gold medal in wrestling would have been in the country's bag.

Shivani says that she does not want to get into any controversies. She has to focus on her game. However, she is also saddened by Vinesh being declared ineligible. She said that the selection should be done according to the system so that such a situation does not arise.

Shivani filed a complaint

Let us tell you that during the selection match for the Olympics in India, the 50 kg weight competition was stopped for four hours, bypassing the rules. The match took place only when Shivani protested against it. However, despite being five points ahead, Shivani got less points and Vinesh was declared the winner and sent to the Olympics. Shivani has lodged a complaint of injustice against her with the Indian Wrestling Association and the Indian Olympic Association.

(PC: Freepik)