Vinesh Phogat is proud after Asian Games trials: I am fighting against the whole system

Defeat on the mat could not dampen Vinesh Phogat’s spirits as her highly-anticipated comeback bid ended at the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday. The former world championships medalist said her true victory lay in defying the system that tried to keep her out, making a successful return to elite competition just ten months after embracing motherhood.

The 31-year-old’s bid for a place in India’s 2026 Asian Games squad ended at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. a grueling 4-6 semi-final loss to Meenakshi Goyat in the category up to 53 kg. An unyielding Vinesh stepped off the mat and launched a scathing attack on the wrestling administration, alleging systemic discrimination, mental harassment and deliberate roadblocks to thwart her comeback despite a favorable ruling by the Delhi High Court.

The trailblazer refused to label her semi-final run as a failure, stressing that competing with the younger generation after giving birth was a triumph in itself, aiming to inspire mothers and young athletes across the country.

“I have not failed at all. I am fighting the whole system and I stand proudly on the mat again and again. They wanted to stop me from coming back, but I am standing here. I am proud of what I have been able to do in the 10 months since the birth of my son, to compete with the younger generation. I hope that I can inspire my son and many female wrestlers.”

“When I should have been focusing on my recovery and preparation, I argued with the officials. They gave me a letter saying I could only compete up to 50kg. It was psychological harassment. I know the system will continue to bring challenges, but I hope I can forget it with hard work. I accept my defeat – fitness and endurance were issues and I know that even after almost two years I needed more match training. But even after almost two years I needed more match training. that courage and belief and I’m absolutely back on the mat for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

While Vinesh gracefully took responsibility for her physical exhaustion during the match, she violated the calculated planning and skewed draw that was meant to sap her energy. Expressing deep disappointment at the silence of the Sports Ministry and the IOA, she clarified that her angst was only directed at the puppet masters controlling the sport, noting that many young wrestlers privately support her but remain cowed by mere fear of powerful administrators.

VINESH PHOGAT’S CHAOTIC ASIAN GAMES TIAL

Vinesh’s return to the mat was explosive from the start, starting with a tense morning stalemate against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Officials initially tried to restrict her to the 50kg category, citing her past international appearances, including the Paris Olympics, which drew fierce objections from Vinesh, until WFI chief Sanjay Singh stepped in to confirm her entry into the 53kg division.

A dramatic story followed her into the arena; after a clinical 7-1 opening win over Jyoti, Vinesh survived a messy, fiery quarter-final against Nish. Down 0-5, she mounted a spectacular comeback in the second period to take the match 7-6, wading through technical screen malfunctions, numerous calls for review and a heated verbal spat between tournament officials and her camp, including husband Somvir Rathee.

While the emotional and physical toll finally caught up with her against the steady Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals, Vinesh’s historic legal and athletic comeback successfully created a landmark for mothers-to-be in Indian sports.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

30 May 2026 19:03 IST