After days of confusion surrounding her participation, Vinesh Phogat finally reported for the Asian Games selection trials after clearing the weigh-in at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in the women’s 53kg category on Friday.
According to officials, the two-time Asian Games medallist completed all required formalities and was cleared to take part in the trials.
“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 Ms. Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities. Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly,” the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said in a statement.
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The development comes after a day of shifting stands by the federation, which had earlier insisted that Phogat would only be allowed to compete in the 50kg category, her Paris Olympics weight class, despite a Supreme Court order refusing to stay the Delhi High Court ruling permitting her participation.
A WFI circular had also stated that she would compete in 50kg, citing her recent international appearances in the category and the lack of post-Olympic UWW events.
“Vinesh Phogat will have to participate in trials in the 50kg category… she will be allowed to take part in the selection process, but only in the 50kg division,” sources had said.
Also Read: WFI insists Vinesh Phogat compete in 50kg category despite SC relief for Asian Games trials
However, after an initial delay at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, she was eventually allowed to complete the weigh-in in the 53kg category, where she has traditionally competed and won medals at the international level.
Phogat, a member of the famed Phogat sisters, has competed across multiple weight categories during her career, including 48kg, 51kg, 53kg and 50kg, winning medals at major international events. She had briefly retired after the Paris Olympics setback in 2024 before reversing her decision in December 2025 with an eye on the LA 2028 cycle.