NEW DELHI, MAY 30 — A morning standoff at the Asian Games selection trials ended with the Wrestling Federation of India conceding to Vinesh Phogat’s demands to compete within the 53kg division.
Registration officials initially blocked the multi-time international medalist from entering her preferred class on Saturday, citing her recent history in the 50kg category at major international tournaments. Phogat challenged the decision on-site, stating that the federation was intentionally restricting her competitive options. The resulting logjam required direct mediation from top executive officials to clear her path forward.
“We do not want to discriminate anyone,” WFI President Sanjay Singh stated after resolving the venue dispute. Singh noted that while the wrestler had not formally communicated her target category beforehand, the administration decided to clear her path to maintain institutional fairness.
Phogat subsequently completed her administrative requirements, weighing in at 53.9kg to solidify her presence in the 53kg bracket. The development transforms the division into a highly anticipated three-way contest featuring Phogat, Antim Panghal, and Meenakshi Goyat for the right to represent the nation at the upcoming continental games.
The wrestler confirmed her long-term athletic intentions shortly after her registration was finalized. “I am here for at least two years,” Phogat noted during a brief media interaction between training sessions.
The sudden adjustment by the governing body followed days of domestic sports controversy. The regulatory body had previously approached higher courts to challenge a Delhi High Court ruling that designated Phogat as an iconic athlete entitled to trial access.
While the federation initially maintained that a lack of formal written notice confined Phogat to her Olympic weight class, her successful weigh-in resolved the immediate procedural deadlock, keeping her active in the selection cycle.
