Late entry, weight change: Vinesh Phogat clears last-minute hurdles for Asian Games trials
Even after the Supreme Court cleared her participation, Vinesh Phogat faced last-minute hurdles ahead of the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday, May 30. However, after days of uncertainty and legal tussles with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the wrestler was finally allowed to compete in the 53 kg category. The federation approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s order directing it to allow Phogat to participate in the trials.
Fresh confusion emerged after the WFI circular indicated that Vinesh will have to compete in the 50kg category. However, sources close to the wrestler told India Today that discussions with the federation have always centered around the 53kg division and that competing at 50kg was never part of the conversation.
Uncertainty at the venue continued as Vinesh arrived at the Indira Gandhi Stadium at 6.30am but had to wait until around 8.20am for her weigh-in. Notably, the three-time Olympian was initially planning to make her comeback in the 57kg category at the Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda before the WFI banned her from competing. Phogat appeared at an event in Uttar Pradesh only to return uncontested.
WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL WORD?
Meanwhile, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued an official statement that the weigh-ins for all categories, including the women’s 53 kg, were conducted as scheduled at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, with Vinesh Phogat among those who completed the required formalities and were allowed to compete in the selection trials. However, the statement did not address the confusion surrounding her weight class.
“The weigh-ins for all weight categories, including the women’s 53 kg category, were conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi as per the approved Asian Games selection trials schedule,” the WFI said in a statement.
“All the eligible wrestlers, including Ms. Vinesh Phogat, have reported for the weigh-in and completed the necessary formalities.
“Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials which are scheduled to begin soon,” the WFI added.
HOW WFI’S ATTEMPT TO STOP VINESH PHOGAT WAS REJECTED
Phogat was first cleared to compete by the Delhi High Court after she challenged a suspension imposed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over alleged procedural and disciplinary violations, including a missed drug test last year.
WFI later approached the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s order, but the supreme court refused her participation. The Delhi High Court also ordered the sports ministry to appoint observers for the trials, criticizing the WFI’s attempt to bar Phogat from the competition.
WHO ARE THE OBSERVERS OF VINESH PHOGAT’S TRIAL?
When Vinesh Phogat competes in the prestigious Women’s Asian Games
courts, former football player Aditi Chauhan and Olympic gold medal hockey captain MM Somaiya will serve as observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Sports.
Chauhan, a pioneering former goalkeeper who played professionally in the UK for West Ham United, is currently the Program Director of the IOA (Protection and National Olympic Academy) Commission for Athletes, a position she took on earlier this year. She represented India 57 times before retiring from international football.
Somaiya was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Olympics and captained the team at the 1988 Seoul Games. He is an Arjuna awardee and brings decades of experience in Indian sports to the role.
With the legal hurdle cleared, attention now shifts back to the mat. Phogat will look to make it big in the trials and strengthen her case with a strong performance.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
30 May 2026 09:25 IST