Vinesh Phogat Set to Compete in Asian Games 2026 Selection Trials

Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials has been confirmed by the Wrestling Federation of India. Despite facing legal challenges regarding her eligibility due to maternity leave, Phogat is set to compete in the 53kg category. The trials, taking place at Indira Gandhi Stadium, will determine who represents India at the continental event later this year. The Supreme Court has intervened, granting her interim relief and addressing concerns over the WFI's selection policy. Observers from the Indian Olympic Association and Sports Authority of India are present to ensure transparency during the trials.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 11:34 IST

Vinesh Phogat's Participation Confirmed

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has officially announced that Vinesh Phogat will compete in the 53kg category during the ongoing selection trials for the Asian Games 2026 at Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.

In a statement released by WFI, it was confirmed that the weigh-in for all categories, including the Women's 53kg, took place at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, adhering to the approved schedule for the trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Phogat, completed the necessary procedures for the weigh-in.

The WFI further stated that all wrestlers meeting the eligibility criteria have been authorized to participate in the upcoming selection trials.

Details of the Selection Trials

Vinesh Phogat weighed in at 53.9 kg and has been placed in the 53 kg draw. The Haryana wrestler, who is also a Julana MLA, will compete against Meenakshi Goyat and Antim Panghal in the trials. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent India at the continental event later this year.

As per the directives from the Delhi High Court, observers Aditi Chauhan from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and M.M. Somaiya from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are present at the trials, along with WFI President Sanjay Singh.

Legal Proceedings and Court Involvement

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to Phogat and requested her response to a petition from the WFI contesting her participation in the trials. The case is set for further hearing on Monday, June 1.

The Delhi High Court had previously ordered that Phogat be allowed to participate in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31. The court also mandated that the trials be recorded on video and conducted under the supervision of independent observers from SAI and IOA to ensure a transparent selection process.

Challenges to WFI's Selection Policy

Phogat has contested the WFI's Asian Games Selection Policy established on February 25, 2026, along with a circular from May 6, 2026, which limited eligibility for the trials to medalists from specific domestic tournaments held in 2025 and 2026.

Phogat had informed the International Testing Agency (ITA) in December 2024 about her maternity leave and her intention to return to competition. After giving birth in July 2025, she resumed training, and the ITA confirmed her eligibility to compete starting January 1, 2026.

The court noted that Phogat's absence due to maternity prevented her from participating in the championships that were prerequisites for eligibility under the WFI policy, leading to her exclusion from the trials. The Bench found the policy and circular to be potentially arbitrary and discriminatory.

Court Critiques WFI's Remarks

The court also criticized the WFI's comments in the show-cause notice issued to Phogat regarding the weigh-in incident for the Paris Olympics 2024, labeling the remarks as 'deplorable' and suggesting they were vindictive, especially since the Court of Arbitration for Sport had previously found no fault on Phogat's part.

However, the Division Bench clarified that it had not made any final judgments regarding the merits of the case, emphasizing that the pending writ petition would be evaluated independently.