New Delhi: Former world championship medallist Vinesh Phogat has been cleared to compete in the women’s 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials after the Wrestling Federation of India revised its initial decision restricting her to the 50kg division.
The controversy unfolded during the official weigh-in on Saturday when Vinesh was informed that she would only be allowed to participate in the 50kg category. Federation officials cited her recent appearances in that weight class, including at the Paris Olympics and other international competitions, as the basis for their decision.
Vinesh strongly objected to the restriction, arguing that she should be permitted to compete in the category of her choice. The disagreement escalated before intervention from Sanjay Singh, who ultimately approved her participation in the 53kg trials.
Following the decision, Vinesh completed her weigh-in at 53.9 kilograms and was officially included in the 53kg draw, ending hours of uncertainty surrounding her participation.
Her inclusion has set the stage for a highly competitive contest featuring established international wrestler Antim Panghal and rising talent Meenakshi Goyat. The winner of the trials will earn the opportunity to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games.
The federation had earlier maintained that Vinesh would only be eligible for the 50kg division because she had consistently competed in that category in recent international events and had not formally communicated any intention to switch weight classes before the trials.
The issue gained additional attention after the Delhi High Court directed the federation to treat Vinesh as an iconic athlete and allow her to participate in the selection process.
Despite her recent appearances in the 50kg division, Vinesh has represented India in multiple weight categories during her distinguished career, including the 53kg class. Her decision to compete at the higher weight category reflects her continued ambition to remain a force in international wrestling.
With the federation’s revised decision, one of India’s most accomplished women wrestlers remains firmly in contention for a place at the Asian Games, setting up one of the most closely watched selection battles in Indian wrestling this year.
