On Saturday, the former world championships medallist Vinesh Phogat was granted allowance in the women's 53kg category competition at the Asian Games selection trials. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) reversed their decision of permitting her to participate only in the 50kg division.
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Vinesh Phogat 🔥
— D (@Deb_livnletliv) May 30, 2026
After trailing 5-0 she pins with 5-6 win in a dramatic bout.
Loses in semi but she fought the entire system single handedly💪
Even after court order, WFI officials couldn't stop harassing the Olympian..bcoz she accused a politician of sexual harassment. pic.twitter.com/0drftOUkzp
Vinesh Phogat's turning point
The events turned dramatically when Vinesh was informed about her permission to compete only in the 50kg category on Saturday morning.
The permission was strongly objected by the wrestler and alleged the federation for denying her from choosing the category of this competition.
The matter escalated before Sanjay Singh, the president of WFI get into it and allowed Vinesh's entrance to the 53kg trials.
Speaking to PTI, Sanjay Singh told, "We allowed her after she threw accusations and asked the officials to take her weight."
"We do not want to discriminate anyone. She did not inform which category she wants to compete and still letting her," he added.
Vinesh gets accomodation in the 53kg draw after weighing in at 53.9kg.
“मैं वापस आऊँगी”
— Deepender Singh Hooda (@DeependerSHooda) May 30, 2026
दो साल तक प्रतियोगिता से दूर रहने, कुछ समय पहले माँ बनने और WFI से लड़ते लड़ते इस स्तर पर वापसी करने पर बधाई @Phogat_Vinesh
आप मैट पर भी साहस से लड़ीं, और मैट के बाहर भी। शायद किसी नतीजे से भी ऊपर, आपका यह साहस सदा याद रहेगा।
लिख लो, विनेश लौटकर फिर आएँगी 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/JroVqdZgdy
Phogat's confidence for the battle
The aftermath of the trials sets up a curiousity for the battle between Vinesh Phogat, another proven performer Antim Panghal and the fast-rising Meenakshi Goyat.
While preparing herself, through a brief chat with media Vinesh claimed herself to be on the same category stage for atleast two years.
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WFI sustains controversy
The decision to change Phogat's permission, significantly degraded by the WFI. Previously it maintained Vinesh's consideration only for the 50kg category.
The federation indulged into an argument regarding the wrestler's consistency in international competitions and also by not notifying about switching categories for the trials by WFI.
The issue raised up a controversy after the Delhi High Court ordered the WFI to treat Vinesh as an "iconic player" and allow her to participate in the Asian Games selection trials.
Vinesh, who has locked her focus onto the contest for the trials in that category, has competed in several divisions including 53kg weight throughout her career.
The winner of the trials will earn the spot to represent India at the Asian Games later this year.
