WFI restricts Vinesh Phogat to 50kg in mid-range Asian Games trials

The simmering battle between the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and star grappler Vinesh Phogat appears to be heading for another flashpoint, with the national federation deciding to allow her to compete only in the women’s 50kg category in the Asian Games selection trials.

According to WFI sources, federation officials were waiting for confirmation of her preferred weight division after the Supreme Court cleared the way for her participation in Saturday’s trials, but did not receive any word from the two-time World Championship medalist until late Friday evening.

Since Vinesh has competed in the 50 kg category in her last few international events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, the federation has decided to consider her only for that division.” It is important for the head coach and technical officials to know which wrestler is competing in which weight category.

We waited till late evening but there was no email, message or any formal notification from Vinesh’s side,” a WFI source told PTI.

It was gathered that the celebrated wrestler was preparing for the 53 kg class event and was training at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here, which is also the venue for the trials. A senior WFI official said the federation will respect the court’s directions but will conduct the exams strictly according to its own regulations.

“As per court orders, we will allow Vinesh to compete. But only WFI rules will apply during the competition. We have no objection if observers from the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry are present. In fact, we welcome their presence even though the Supreme Court has not issued any such order. It was the Supreme Court that mentioned the observers,” the official said.

The federation will allow a weight tolerance of one kilogram for all wrestlers participating in the championship. This effectively means that Vinesh will have to reduce his weight to at least 51kg if he is to compete in the 50kg division.

Several wrestlers are against Vinesh’s direct entry

The controversy sparked sharp reactions within the wrestling fraternity. It was learned that at least 16 female wrestlers had approached the court seeking directions that Vinesh should not be allowed direct entry to the trials. The petitioners reportedly argued that they spent many months competing on the regular domestic route, while Vinesh entered the Asian Games selection race directly because of her iconic status as a player.

Winners of Open Ranking medal events can compete

Meanwhile, in another important development, the WFI has decided to allow all medal winners from the national open rankings in Gonda to compete in the Asian Games after receiving multiple representations from medal-winning wrestlers. It opened the door for 2019 World Championships medalist and Olympian Deepak Punia to make it to the national rankings after struggling for form in the past few months.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

29 May 2026 22:05 IST