Wrestling Federation Of India Restricts Vinesh Phogat To 50 Kg Trials Only

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has restricted star wrestler Vinesh Phogat to competing only in the 50kg category for the upcoming Asian Games selection trials, intensifying an ongoing stand-off between the federation and the experienced grappler ahead of a key qualification event. The decision comes after the WFI said it received no formal communication from Vinesh Phogat regarding her preferred weight division prior to the deadline.

According to federation sources, officials waited until late Friday evening for confirmation before finalising that she would only be entered in the 50kg category, a division in which she has previously competed at the international level. The issue gained urgency after the Supreme Court allowed her participation in the trials scheduled for Saturday. However, the federation maintained that while it would comply with the court’s direction, the competition would proceed strictly under its own regulations.

Officials also confirmed a one-kilogram weight allowance for all participants, effectively requiring athletes in the 50kg category to weigh no more than 51kg at the time of competition. Vinesh Phogat has reportedly been training for the 53kg category at the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, raising questions over her immediate preparedness for the lower weight class. The federation, however, stated that since her recent international appearances, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, were in the 50kg division, it was appropriate to assign her to that category for the trials.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Gets Supreme Court Nod To Participate In Asian Games Trials

The situation has also triggered controversy within the wrestling community, with reports that at least 16 women wrestlers have approached the court seeking to challenge her direct entry into the selection trials. They have argued that she should not bypass the standard domestic qualification pathway, as other athletes have competed extensively to reach the same stage.

In a parallel development, the WFI has also allowed medal winners from the National Open Ranking event in Gonda to participate in the Asian Games trials following multiple representations from athletes. This decision is expected to benefit wrestlers such as 2019 World Championships medallist and Olympian Deepak Punia, who has been attempting to regain form ahead of national selection.

Also Read: Supreme Court Petition Filed Against Order Allowing Vinesh Phogat Trials Participation