Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat began her campaign in the Asian Games selection trials on a winning note, defeating Haryana’s Jyoti by 7-1 in the opening bout of the women’s 53kg category at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.
The trials witnessed some drama even before the competition began, as Vinesh and her husband, Somvir Rathi, were involved in an argument with security personnel over entry into the venue. The issue was later resolved, and they were allowed access to the stadium.
A fresh controversy also emerged during the weigh-in process when Vinesh was initially placed in the 50kg weight category. The wrestler objected, insisting that she wanted to compete in her preferred 53kg division. Following intervention by Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh, her weight was subsequently recorded in the 53kg category, allowing her to participate in the trials.
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Photographs from the venue showed Vinesh warming up on the mat and discussing strategy with her coaches and support staff ahead of the competition.
Speaking to the media, Vinesh expressed dissatisfaction over the process, claiming she had to wait nearly an hour for the weigh-in and faced several hurdles before receiving permission. She said she had brought her own diet and food arrangements, adding that she no longer trusted anyone and was still fighting her battle.
The trials were held a day after the Supreme Court permitted Vinesh to participate. On May 28, the Wrestling Federation of India had approached the apex court seeking to halt her participation in the trials. However, a bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe rejected the plea, paving the way for her inclusion.
The WFI later stated that Vinesh, along with all other eligible wrestlers, reported for the weigh-in and completed the required formalities. The federation said she was allowed to participate in the selection trials after fulfilling all prescribed conditions.
The 53kg category also features Railway wrestler Antim Panghal, making the competition for selection particularly intense.
Vinesh’s opening opponent, Jyoti Sihag of Haryana’s Hisar district, has an impressive record. She secured a job in the Army through the sports quota in 2024 and has previously won a silver medal at the Asian Championship and a gold medal at the All India University Championship, besides claiming several other medals at the national level.