It was never a fair fight but I’m proud of myself: Vinesh after failing Asian Games selection trials

Competing for the first time since her heartbreaking disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics final, Vinesh Phogat said her biggest achievement was returning to elite competition after giving birth. | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

There was competition in six weight categories but there was no doubt where the spotlight was — Mat A at the IGI Stadium, the 53kg draw and Vinesh Phogat hoping to qualify for the Asian Games later this year.

Vinesh fell short, but the drama started much before her semi-final match late in the evening. She was first handed a copy of the WFI circular allowing her entry into the 50kg on Saturday morning (May 30, 2026), followed by more than an hour of waiting and protests before she was finally allowed to weigh in.

“It was never a fair fight. I had to wait for more than an hour for the weigh-in and I was allowed only after our lawyers talked about going to court again. All the strong competitors put in my half of the draw. But one loss does not define anyone’s future. I am back after giving birth 10 months ago. I still have the guts and strength and will work hard and come back after the semifinakshi after her loss on the mat,” said Vinesh.

The animosity between the Federation and Vinesh already hinted at an uneasy justice-brokered truce. “We are fighting the referees, the federation, the whole system on one side. The decisions were not fair, but when you fight the whole system, you are a winner. I want to be an inspiration to my son. The goal now is (the) LA28 (Olympics). I am proud of my fight and with the observations of the Delhi HC, I am sure they will be forced to make changes in the policy regarding female wrestlers,” she added.

Ugly Match: Notice to Vinesh Phogat

Meenakshi, meanwhile, just shrugged off her win. “If I thought about the pressure, I would never have been able to compete. I just blocked everything out and just focused on doing the right things,” she said.

Published – 30 May 2026 19:09 IST