Chaos at Asian Games trials as Vinesh Phogat’s quarterfinal sparks feud with WFI officials

Just hours after booking her place in the women’s 53kg semifinals at the Asian Games selection trials, Vinesh Phogat found herself at the centre of another controversy as her quarterfinal bout against Nishu descended into chaos over disputed scoring decisions and technical issues.

The dramatic scenes unfolded during Vinesh’s hard-fought 7-6 victory over Haryana wrestler Nishu at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday. While the Olympian eventually secured her semifinal berth, the match was overshadowed by heated arguments involving coaches, support staff and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) officials.

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Also Read: Vinesh Phogat enters 53kg semifinals at Asian Games trials with close 7-6 win over Nishu

The first flashpoint came when Vinesh, trailing 0-5, appeared close to pinning Nishu. However, the referee stopped the action and awarded four points instead, triggering immediate protests from Vinesh’s corner.

The stoppage led to a heated exchange, with members of her support team questioning the decision before a challenge was lodged. The review eventually went in Vinesh’s favour, allowing the bout to continue.

Tensions flared again shortly afterwards when Vinesh executed an arm throw that her camp believed deserved four points. The referee awarded only two points, prompting another challenge. This time, the review upheld the original decision.

Also Read: Vinesh wins opening bout in Asian Games trials

The controversy deepened when Vinesh’s team sought to review the footage used by officials. However, confusion followed after the review monitor reportedly stopped functioning during the process, leading to further arguments on the sidelines.

The situation escalated into a verbal confrontation involving WFI officials and members of Vinesh’s camp, briefly disrupting proceedings. Reports from the venue also suggested that a water bottle was thrown onto the mat during the heated exchanges.

Despite the repeated stoppages and off-mat distractions, Vinesh regained her focus to edge out Nishu 7-6 and move into the semifinals.

Also Read: WFI clears Vinesh Phogat to compete in 53kg weigh-in ahead of Asian Games trials in Delhi

Earlier in the day, the former World Championships medallist had opened her campaign with a convincing 7-1 win over Jyoti after being cleared to compete in her preferred 53kg category following last-minute uncertainty over her participation and weight class.

Vinesh’s place in the trials was confirmed only on Friday after the Supreme Court allowed her to compete. The WFI had initially maintained that she could only participate in the 50kg category before revising its stance and permitting her to contest the 53kg division.

The victory leaves Vinesh two wins away from securing a place in India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.