Indian Wrestlers Shine in Selection Trials for Asian Games

In a thrilling display of talent, Indian women wrestlers including Antim Panghal and Nisha Dahiya secured their places for the Asian Games during the WFI selection trials. The event highlighted intense competition, with notable performances from Vinesh Phogat and Meenakshi Goyat. As the selected athletes prepare for the Games in Japan, the focus now shifts to the men's trials. Read on to learn more about the exciting outcomes and future prospects for these athletes.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 20:27 IST

Successful Trials for Indian Women Wrestlers

Antim Panghal, Nisha Dahiya, Manisha Bhanwala, and Dipanshee have secured their spots in India's wrestling team for the Asian Games after winning their respective categories during the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) women's selection trials held at Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.

Vinesh Phogat's Comeback

The trials marked the return of Vinesh Phogat to competitive wrestling, where she reached the semifinals in the 53kg category. However, one of the day's major surprises occurred when Meenakshi Goyat, a silver medallist at the Asian Championships, defeated the Olympian Vinesh Phogat before Antim secured her place by winning the final.

Highlights from the 53kg Division

The 53kg category was particularly exciting, with two-time U20 World Champion Antim Panghal narrowly defeating Meenakshi Goyat 3-2 in a thrilling final. Earlier, Meenakshi had stunned Vinesh Phogat with a 6-4 victory in the semifinals.

Other Category Results

In the 68kg category, Nisha Dahiya triumphed over Mansi Lather with a close score of 4-3. Meanwhile, Manisha, the 2025 Asian Championships gold medallist, showcased her skills with an 8-2 win against Neha in the 57kg final. Dipanshee, the U15 Asian Champion, also excelled, defeating Priyanshi 9-3 in the 50kg category.

In the 62kg division, Bhagyashree, a U23 Asian Championships gold medallist, dominated her match with a 10-0 victory. Nitika, a U23 Asian Championships bronze medallist, and Savita, a former U17 and U23 Asian champion, also secured wins with scores of 8-3 and 4-3, respectively.

In the 76kg category, Priya and Kajal advanced to the finals with impressive semifinal victories, winning their matches 4-2 and 6-2.

WFI President Commends Wrestlers

Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India, expressed his congratulations to all the wrestlers for their outstanding performances. He noted the high level of competition at the IG Stadium, emphasizing the strength of the women's wrestling pipeline in India.

Singh remarked, "These athletes have shown remarkable character and technical skill on the mat. The trials highlighted the depth of talent in Indian women's wrestling, and I am confident that our wrestlers can compete with the best in Asia. I wish them success in their pursuit of gold and in bringing honor to our nation."

Preparing for the Asian Games

With the women's selection trials concluded, the selected wrestlers will now enter the final phase of their training for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, aiming to uphold India's esteemed wrestling tradition.

Attention will soon turn to the men's selection trials, which are set to occur in Lucknow on Sunday, completing the lineup for India's wrestling team at the Games.