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The standoff between the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Vinesh Phogat is set to intensify once again, with the federation restricting the decorated wrestler to compete only in the women's 50kg category at the Asian Games selection trials.
The decision comes shortly after the Supreme Court cleared Phogat to participate in Saturday's trials at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
According to WFI sources, the federation had been awaiting formal communication from Phogat regarding her preferred weight category. However, no email, message, or official confirmation was received until late Friday evening. In the absence of clarity, WFI opted to place her in the 50kg division, citing her recent international appearances, including
the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The federation stressed that clarity on weight categories is critical for logistical planning and technical assessments. Officials maintained that the decision was aligned with standard procedures and necessary for smooth conduct of the trials.
However, it has emerged that Phogat had been preparing for the 53kg category and was training at the same venue where the trials are being held. The WFI's ruling effectively rules her out of contention in that division, potentially impacting her competitive strategy.
A senior WFI official reiterated that while the federation will comply with the Supreme Court's directive allowing Phogat to compete, the trials will strictly adhere to WFI regulations. The official also welcomed the presence of observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Ministry, even though the apex court did not explicitly mandate their inclusion.
In line with its standard protocol, WFI has also allowed a one-kilogram weight tolerance for all participants. This means Phogat must weigh within 51kg to compete in the 50kg category.
The controversy has triggered resistance from fellow competitors as well. At least 16 women wrestlers have reportedly approached the court, opposing any preferential treatment for Phogat, particularly the possibility of direct entry into the trials. They argued that they have followed the domestic qualification pathway over several months.
In a parallel development, WFI has broadened the eligibility criteria for the trials, allowing all medal winners from the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda to participate. This move comes after multiple representations from athletes and has reopened opportunities for several wrestlers, including World Championships medallist Deepak Punia.
Meanwhile, the trials will be conducted under the watch of appointed observers. Former India footballer Aditi Chauhan will represent the IOA, while Olympic gold-winning former hockey captain M M Somaiya will oversee proceedings on behalf of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Phogat's participation follows a prolonged legal battle. Initially barred by WFI over procedural and disciplinary issues - including a missed dope test - she successfully challenged the decision in the Delhi High Court. The WFI subsequently moved the Supreme Court, which declined to stay the High Court's order, allowing her to compete.
The roots of the conflict date back to 2023, when Phogat led protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment, triggering a prolonged governance crisis within Indian wrestling.
With the trials set to unfold amid legal scrutiny, administrative friction, and athlete pushback, the spotlight will firmly remain on Phogat - both for her performance on the mat and the larger implications her case holds for Indian wrestling.
