Vinesh Phogat’s Asian Games hopes end with semifinal defeat to Meenakshi in 53kg trials

Vinesh Phogat’s bid to secure a place in India’s squad for the Asian Games 2026 came to an end after the Olympian suffered a 4-6 defeat to Meenakshi in the women’s 53kg semifinals at the selection trials held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.

The loss capped a dramatic day for the Haryana wrestler, whose participation in the trials had only been confirmed after intervention from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, as well as last-minute uncertainty over her weight category.

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Vinesh had started the day on a positive note, defeating Jyoti 7-1 in her opening bout before edging past Nishu 7-6 in a hard-fought quarterfinal to book her place in the last four.

However, Meenakshi proved too strong in the semifinal, ending Vinesh’s hopes of representing India at the Asian Games.

Earlier in the day, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) officially cleared Vinesh to compete in the 53kg category after a dispute over whether she would be allowed to participate in her preferred weight class.

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

“The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women’s 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities,” the WFI said in a statement.

“Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly,” it added.

Vinesh weighed in at 53.9kg and was included in the 53kg draw after the federation revised its earlier stance that had restricted her to the 50kg category.

The trials were conducted under heightened scrutiny following directions from the Delhi High Court. Indian Olympic Association representative Aditi Chauhan and Sports Authority of India official M.M. Somaiya were present as independent observers, while WFI president Sanjay Singh also attended the event.

The WFI had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s order allowing Vinesh to participate in the trials. However, the apex court refused to stay the order and sought the wrestler’s response to the federation’s petition. The matter is scheduled to be heard on June 1.

In its May 22 order, the Delhi High Court directed that Vinesh be allowed to participate in the selection trials and instructed that the process be video-recorded and conducted under the supervision of independent observers to ensure transparency.