All posts tagged: Asian Games trials

Panghal sidesteps Phogat show to book Asian Games ticket

Panghal sidesteps Phogat show to book Asian Games ticket

Published by Webster

4 min readMay 30, 2026 10:29 PM IST On a day when the presence of ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat hogged the limelight, two-time World Championships bronze medallist Antim Panghal reclaimed her standing in the 53 kg category after defeating Meenakshi Goyat in the Asian Games trials final at the IG Indoor Stadium. Antim, who represented India in the 53 kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffered a shocking loss against Meenakshi Goyat in the Asian Championships trial earlier this year. In the absence of Vinesh, Antim had owned the 53 kg category for the past two years before losing to Meenakshi. The loss against Meenakshi in the Asian Championships trial had hit Antim like a roadblock. “I lost to Meenakshi di last time in the trials. Before that I rarely lost in the trials and was going to international tours. When I lost the last time, it hit me a little hard,” said Antim. “I realised the importance of winning and worked extra hard this time.” On Saturday, Antim came up with a new …

Vinesh Phogat’s Asian Games hopes end after semifinal defeat at Selection Trials

Vinesh Phogat’s Asian Games hopes end after semifinal defeat at Selection Trials

Published by Webster

Vinesh Phogat saw her hopes of representing India at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 come to an end after suffering a semifinal defeat in the women’s 53kg selection trials on Saturday. The two-time World Championships medallist had returned to competition amid significant controversy surrounding her eligibility and weight category. However, her comeback bid ended before the final, effectively ruling her out of contention for a place in India’s Asian Games squad. Earlier in the day, Vinesh comfortably opened her campaign with a 7-1 victory over Jyoti. She then found herself in a dramatic quarterfinal against Nishu, who raced into a 5-0 lead and came close to pinning the former world medallist after a spectacular four-point throw. Vinesh battled back in the second period, producing a crucial four-point move before edging ahead 6-5. The bout was marked by multiple challenges, technical interruptions and lengthy stoppages. After a tense finish, Vinesh advanced on the criteria following a 6-6 scoreline. She ended up losing to Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals. Weight category dispute adds to dramatic day The …

Delhi High Court pulls up WFI over Vinesh Phogat’s exclusion after maternity break

Delhi High Court pulls up WFI over Vinesh Phogat’s exclusion after maternity break

Published by Webster

The Delhi High Court has strongly criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over its decision to declare wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic competitions following her maternity break. During proceedings related to Phogat’s petition challenging her exclusion from upcoming selection trials, the court questioned the federation’s departure from its earlier selection practices and observed that motherhood is celebrated across the country and should not become a ground for exclusion. The court directed the Centre to constitute an expert committee to evaluate Phogat’s case and ensure that the interests of the sport remain the priority amid ongoing disputes involving the wrestler and the federation. Phogat had approached the High Court after WFI introduced new eligibility criteria for the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled later this month. Under the revised rules, only wrestlers who secured medals in competitions during 2025 and 2026 were eligible to participate. Since Phogat had not competed after the Paris Olympics 2024, the rules effectively ruled her out. Dispute rooted in comeback after retirement The decorated Indian wrestler, who had announced …

WFI bars Vinesh Phogat from comeback tournament, issues show-cause notice

WFI bars Vinesh Phogat from comeback tournament, issues show-cause notice

Published by Webster

Vinesh Phogat’s attempt to return to competitive wrestling has hit another major setback after the Wrestling Federation of India declared her ineligible to compete at the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. The May 10-12 event was expected to mark Vinesh’s first appearance since stepping away from the sport following the Paris Olympics 2024. However, the federation has now suspended her eligibility for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026. The decision came through a detailed show-cause notice issued by the WFI, which accused the former world championships medallist of violating disciplinary and anti-doping regulations. The federation stated that Vinesh did not fulfil the mandatory notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling rules. Fresh controversy in ongoing WFI-Vinesh dispute The federation also referred to alleged whereabouts failures connected to anti-doping procedures, alongside concerns related to her disqualification at the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight. Additionally, the WFI questioned Vinesh’s participation in two different weight categories during the 2024 selection trials conducted under the IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee. The notice …