Former world championships medallist Vinesh Phogat was eventually cleared to wrestle in the 53kg class at the Asian Games selection trials, after the Wrestling Federation of India reversed an earlier decision that confined participation to 50kg, following tense discussions during the official weigh-in on 30 May 2026.
The WFI had gone into the trials insisting Vinesh would be allowed only in the 50kg division, as that had been the declared category, but the stance changed within hours, creating confusion among officials, coaches and other wrestlers present at the selection venue.
Vinesh Phogat Asian Games trials controversy and Delhi High Court order
Debate around Vinesh's participation had already escalated before the weigh-in, after the Delhi High Court instructed the federation to regard Vinesh as an "iconic player"
and ensure a chance at the Asian Games trials, a direction that increased scrutiny on every procedural step taken by the WFI.
Despite that court directive, Vinesh was initially informed during the 30 May 2026 morning weigh-in that entry would be limited to 50kg, and that 53kg was not an option, a communication that prompted sharp protests and accusations of unfair treatment from the wrestler and support staff.
WFI reasoning on Vinesh Phogat Asian Games trials weight categories
The WFI justified the original restriction by pointing out that Vinesh had wrestled in 50kg at the last four international events, including the Paris Olympics, and argued that no formal request to change divisions for these trials had reached the federation in advance.
Officials from the body maintained that selection plans had been framed around Vinesh continuing in 50kg, which they considered her current competitive class, and they suggested the late push for 53kg created planning issues for other contenders in neighbouring weight groups.
| Event detail | Vinesh Phogat category cited by WFI |
|---|---|
| Paris Olympics | 50kg |
| Last four international competitions before trials | 50kg |
| Asian Games selection trials request | 53kg |
Vinesh objected strongly to the initial bar on 53kg, claimed the WFI decision discriminated against personal choice of category, and argued that a wrestler who meets eligibility norms should not be forced into a single weight class, leading to the eventual concession that allowed participation in both discussions and the 53kg trials themselves.
