Vinesh Phogat's bid to qualify for the Asian Games 2026 ended after a 4-6 semifinal defeat to Meenakshi in the women's 53kg category, capping a dramatic day marked by legal battles and selection controversy.
Vinesh Phogat's 53kg quarterfinal victory over Nishu at the Asian Games selection trials was overshadowed by disputed scoring calls, technical glitches and heated exchanges involving her camp and WFI officials before she advanced to the semifinals.
Vinesh Phogat advanced to the women's 53kg semifinals at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi, defeating Nishu 7-6 after opening her campaign with a 7-1 victory over Jyoti.
Vinesh Phogat opened her Asian Games selection trials campaign with a 7-1 win in the 53kg category in New Delhi, amid pre-bout drama and ongoing controversy over weigh-in and federation decisions.
After a day of confusion over weight categories and WFI directives, Vinesh Phogat was eventually cleared to compete in the 53kg division at the Asian Games selection trials.
The Wrestling Federation of India reiterated that Vinesh Phogat will only be allowed to compete in the 50kg category at the Asian Games selection trials, despite the Supreme Court refusing to stay the Delhi High Court order clearing her participation.
The Supreme Court declined to stay the Delhi High Court order permitting Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, while issuing notice on WFI’s challenge and allowing the trials to proceed as scheduled.
The Delhi High Court has permitted Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, with the Wrestling Federation of India confirming it will not challenge the order.
The Delhi High Court questioned WFI’s decision to exclude Vinesh Phogat from Asian Games selection trials and asked authorities to explore steps to facilitate her participation.
The Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her plea challenging exclusion from the Asian Games selection trials by the Wrestling Federation of India.
