NEW DELHI, MAY 30 — The Wrestling Federation of India reversed its administrative stance Saturday morning, allowing former world championship medalist Vinesh Phogat to enter the 53kg category selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games.
The federation’s decision concluded a period of intense confrontation at the Indira Gandhi Stadium weigh-in station, where officials initially restricted her participation to the 50kg division. Phogat objected to the limitation, stating that the decision represented institutional discrimination and compromised her right to select her competitive weight division. The dispute escalated at the venue until WFI President Sanjay Singh intervened to permit her entry into the heavier class.
“We allowed her after she threw accusations and asked the officials to take her weight,” Singh stated following the exchange. He noted that the federation sought to avoid claims of bias, maintaining that “she did not inform which category she wants to compete and still letting her.”
Following the intervention, Phogat registered an official weight of 53.9kg and secured a spot in the 53kg bracket. Her inclusion sets up a competitive field alongside veteran performer Antim Panghal and rising contender Meenakshi Goyat for the lone continental spot.
“I am here for at least two years,” Phogat stated to reporters during her preparation at the facility.
The shift marked a notable departure from the federation’s long-standing position. Governing officials previously asserted that Phogat’s recent international record, including her appearance at the Paris Olympics, dictated her placement in the 50kg bracket, adding that she had failed to submit a formal division transfer request before arriving at the venue.
The selection dispute follows a recent legal directive from the Delhi High Court ordering the sports body to grant Phogat “iconic player” status and ensure her inclusion in the selection process. By accommodating her in the 53kg roster, the federation ended hours of systemic uncertainty, keeping one of India’s prominent freestyle wrestlers in contention for the international tournament.
