WFI Rejects Bias Claims After Vinesh Phogat Falls Short In Asian Games Trials

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 11:29 IST

Vinesh Phogat’s bid for an Asian Games 2026 berth ended in the trials, with the WFI insisting the process was transparent and conducted under strict oversight.

Vinesh Phogat’s hopes of representing India at the 2026 Asian Games came to a disappointing end on Saturday, with the Olympian falling short in the women’s 53kg selection trials in New Delhi.

The high-profile trials, conducted under intense scrutiny following a prolonged legal battle, saw Phogat bow out after a narrow 6-4 semi-final defeat to Meenakshi at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

The loss effectively ended her chances of making India’s wrestling squad for the continental showpiece, despite a strong start earlier in the day. Phogat had opened her campaign with a commanding 7-1 win over Jyoti before overcoming Nishu in her second bout to reach the semi-finals.

WFI Defends Selection Process

Following the conclusion of the trials, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh strongly defended the conduct of the selection process, insisting everything was carried out fairly and transparently.

“The trials were very clean," Singh said. “For that, I want to congratulate all the referees, the officials, and the media friends. Everyone deserves credit for a fair selection that happened under everyone’s watch."

He also congratulated the wrestlers who secured qualification and urged those who missed out to continue working towards future opportunities.

“Congratulations to the children who won. And to those who lost, they should keep working hard and come back with better preparation," he added.

Singh pointed to the presence of observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as proof of the process’s transparency.

“So, about the allegations, I don’t think there will be any," he said.

Oversight At Every Step

WFI secretary general JP Yadav echoed those sentiments, dismissing suggestions that the trials had been compromised.

“It has been very clean. Some people were trying to create noise and spoil it, but everything was conducted properly," Yadav said.

The federation had earlier confirmed that Phogat successfully completed the official weigh-in process. Competing in the 53kg category, she reportedly weighed 53.9kg and was cleared to participate.

The trials were held under exceptional oversight after intervention from the Delhi High Court, which directed that Phogat be allowed to compete. The court also ordered video recording of the trials and mandated independent supervision by representatives from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the IOA.

The legal battle is not over yet. The WFI’s challenge to the High Court order remains before the Supreme Court, which has sought Phogat’s response and is scheduled to hear the matter again on June 1.

(with ANI inputs)

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