Vinesh Phogat fails to qualify for Asian Games as she loses in 53kg selection trials
New Delhi, May 30
Olympian Vinesh Phogat's hope to represent India at the Asian Games 2026 came to an end after she lost in the semi-final of the women's 53kg category selection trials at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday.
Her earlier matches in the trials had shown promise, but the 4-6 loss against Meenakshi ended her hopes of competing at the Asian Games.
The Haryana wrestler and Congress MLA from Julana, Phogat, won her second bout against Nishu after defeating Jyoti with a commanding 7-1 scoreline in the first bout.
Earlier today, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) confirmed Vinesh Phogat's participation in the 53kg category selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.
"The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women's 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities," the WFI statement said.
"Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly," the statement added.
Vinesh Phogat weighed in at 53.9 kg and was slotted into the 53 kg draw.
As directed by the Delhi High Court, Aditi Chauhan from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and M M Somaiya from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are present as observers during the trials at the IG Stadium. WFI President Sanjay Singh is also present.
The WFI had gone to the Supreme Court against the High Court order; however, granting interim relief to Phogat, the Supreme Court on Friday also sought her response to the petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging her participation in the trials. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on Monday, June 1.
In its May 22 order, the Delhi High Court had directed that Phogat be allowed to participate in the selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The High Court further ordered that the trials be video-recorded and conducted under the supervision of independent observers appointed by the SAI and the IOA to ensure transparency in the selection process.
The directions were issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia while hearing Phogat's appeal against an interim order passed by a single-judge Bench.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vinesh Phogat is a fighter, no doubt. But she is also a politician now, and that might affect her focus on wrestling. Competition in India is tough—Meenakshi proved that. The High Court orders for transparency are good, but WFI dragging this to Supreme Court feels like unnecessary drama. Just let the sport speak.
Really disappointed for Vinesh. She has been through so much—injuries, protests, court cases. But sports is harsh; you win some, you lose some. Great to see the system working with observers and video recording. Hopefully Meenakshi goes on to win gold at Asian Games! 🌟
As an outsider, this looks like a messy process. Courts getting involved in sports selections isn't ideal. But if Vinesh Phogat was legally allowed to compete, and she lost fair and square, then that's that. The observers and video recording should be standard for all trials, not just because of a court order.
Vinesh Phogat needs to focus on her game, not politics. She was once India's best hope in wrestling, but age catches up. Meenakshi's 4-6 win shows new talent is rising. The real test will be at Asian Games. WFI should stop wasting time in courts and focus on developing wrestlers. Ab kya karenge, Vinesh ka fan hoon par haarna bhi part of sport hai.
I respect Vinesh for her achievements, but becoming a Congress MLA and then expecting to w
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