WFI President Defends Selection Trials After Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Setback
WFI Stands by Selection Process
Sanjay Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has publicly supported the integrity of the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. This comes in light of Olympian Vinesh Phogat's recent defeat in the women's 53kg semi-final at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday.
Phogat's aspirations to compete in the Asian Games were dashed when she lost 4-6 to Meenakshi, marking the end of her journey for this event.
Prior to this, Phogat had secured a victory in her second bout against Nishu, following a decisive 7-1 win over Jyoti in her opening match.
WFI Reaffirms Fairness of Trials
In a statement to the media, Singh emphasized, "The trials were conducted with utmost fairness. I extend my gratitude to all referees, officials, and media representatives for their roles in ensuring a transparent selection process. Congratulations to the winners, and for those who did not succeed, I encourage them to train harder for future opportunities."
He also noted the presence of observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports during the trials, which he believes adds to the transparency of the process. "I don't foresee any allegations arising from this," Singh added.
WFI Secretary General Supports Selection Integrity
JP Yadav, the WFI Secretary General, echoed Singh's sentiments regarding the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. He stated that the process was conducted fairly, despite attempts to stir controversy. "The trials were clean. Some individuals tried to create distractions, but everything was executed flawlessly. We have the referee's reports to back this up. Did anyone witness any foul play? Everything was in order," he remarked.
Official Procedures and Legal Oversight
Earlier today, the WFI confirmed that Phogat participated in the selection trials for the 53kg category for the Asian Games.
"The weigh-in for all categories, including the Women's 53kg, was held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi as per the approved schedule. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, completed the necessary procedures," the WFI stated.
"All wrestlers who met the requirements have been cleared to compete in the upcoming selection trials," the statement continued.
Phogat weighed in at 53.9 kg and was placed in the 53 kg draw. Observers Aditi Chauhan from the IOA and M M Somaiya from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) were present during the trials, alongside WFI President Sanjay Singh.
The WFI had previously approached the Supreme Court regarding a High Court ruling; however, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to Phogat and requested her response to the WFI's petition challenging her participation in the trials. This matter is set to be reviewed next on Monday, June 1.
In a ruling on May 22, the Delhi High Court mandated that Phogat be allowed to participate in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31. The court also ordered that the trials be recorded on video and conducted under the supervision of independent observers from the SAI and IOA to ensure transparency. This directive was issued by a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia while addressing Phogat's appeal against a prior interim order.