Supreme Court clears Vinesh Phogat for Asian Games selection trials
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenged a Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat, returning from maternity leave, to participate in the 2026 Asian Games trials. The Supreme Court rejected the WFI’s plea on May 29, 2026, upholding the High Court’s ruling that the WFI’s selection policy was exclusionary. Phogat was cleared to compete in the 50kg category at trials held in New Delhi, with video recording and independent observers mandated. The case highlights tensions between federation autonomy and judicial intervention in athlete eligibility.
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Vinesh Phogat's Comeback Ends with Semifinal Loss at Asian Games Wrestling Trials
Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's comeback attempt ended in disappointment at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi on May 30, 2026. Returning to competition nearly two years after her Paris Olympics heartbreak, Phogat lost 4-6 to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg semifinals in a contentious bout marked by frequent interruptions from supporters. Earlier, Phogat narrowly defeated unheralded Nishu 7-6 after a tough fight. Meenakshi went on to lose the final 2-3 to Antim Panghal, who secured the 53kg spot. The final Asian Games squad includes Dipanshee (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Manisha (57kg), Bhagyashree (62kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg), and Priya (76kg). Phogat declared 'I will be back' after the loss.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Vinesh Phogat Claims System Harassment After Asian Games Trials Defeat
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a former world championships medallist, lost her semifinal bout (4-6) to Meenakshi Goyat in the Asian Games selection trials on May 30, 2026. Despite the defeat, Phogat declared she had not failed, framing her return to competition after motherhood and legal battles as a victory against a system she accused of discrimination, mental harassment, and obstruction. She alleged that officials tried to force her into a lower weight category (50kg instead of 53kg), placed stronger opponents in her draw, and scheduled bouts to drain her energy. Phogat credited a Delhi High Court order for enabling her participation and called for policies to support women wrestlers returning after childbirth. She reiterated her ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Vinesh Phogat wins opening bout at Asian Games selection trials after Supreme Court clearance
On May 30, 2026, wrestler Vinesh Phogat made a winning start at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi, defeating Jyoti 7-1. The bout followed a Supreme Court ruling on May 29 that allowed her to participate after a legal dispute. The Wrestling Federation of India initially restricted Phogat to the 50kg category, but later relented, permitting her to compete in the 53kg category following intervention by WFI president Sanjay Singh. Phogat is drawn to face Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals and potentially Antim Panghal in the final. Antim Panghal also won her opening bout in just 34 seconds by technical superiority against Tannu.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Vinesh Phogat wins opening bout at Asian Games selection trials after Supreme Court clearance
On May 30, 2026, decorated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made a winning start at the Asian Games 2026 selection trials in New Delhi, defeating Jyoti 7-1 in the 53kg category. The bout followed a dramatic legal and administrative saga: the Supreme Court allowed Phogat to participate on May 29, overturning earlier restrictions. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) initially permitted her only in the 50kg category, but after her objection and WFI president Sanjay Singh's intervention, she was allowed to compete in the 53kg trials. Phogat is drawn to face Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals and potentially Antim Panghal—who won her bout in 34 seconds—in the final. The article highlights ongoing tensions between Phogat and the WFI over category restrictions.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Vinesh Phogat Allowed to Compete in 53kg at Asian Games Trials After Dispute
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat's return to competitive wrestling at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi was marked by last-minute drama. Despite having secured court permission to participate, she was initially restricted to the 50kg category during the official weigh-in. This sparked a dispute, leading to intervention by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Following the intervention, Phogat was eventually allowed to compete in her preferred 53kg division. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding her comeback and the administrative processes within Indian wrestling.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WFI relents, allows Vinesh Phogat to compete in 53kg category at Asiad trials
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) reversed its earlier decision and allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the women's 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials. Initially, the WFI had restricted her to the 50kg division based on her recent international competitions. During the official weigh-in on May 30, 2026, Vinesh strongly objected, accusing the federation of discrimination. The matter escalated until WFI president Sanjay Singh intervened, permitting her to enter the 53kg trials. Vinesh weighed in at 53.9kg and was accommodated. This sets up a competitive battle with Antim Panghal and Meenakshi Goyat. The development follows a Delhi High Court directive to treat Vinesh as an 'iconic player'. The winner of the trials will represent India at the Asian Games.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.WFI restricts Vinesh Phogat to 50kg category for Asian Games trials
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to allow star wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete only in the women's 50kg category during the Asian Games selection trials, despite her preparation for the 53kg class. This decision follows a Supreme Court order enabling her participation after a legal stand-off. WFI cited lack of communication from Phogat regarding her preferred weight division. The federation will enforce a one-kilogram weight tolerance, meaning Phogat must weigh at most 51kg to compete. Additionally, at least 16 women wrestlers have petitioned the court against granting Phogat direct entry into the trials, arguing it bypasses the regular domestic qualification pathway. In a separate development, WFI has allowed all medal winners from the National Open Ranking event in Gonda to participate in the trials, opening the door for Olympian Deepak Punia.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Vinesh Phogat Cleared for Asian Games Trials After Supreme Court Order
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been cleared by the Supreme Court to participate in the Asian Games selection trials, scheduled for Saturday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The court made its directive to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) conditional, with the next hearing set for Monday. Vinesh had been barred from an open ranking tournament earlier this month and had not participated in designated competitions required by the WFI for eligibility. She has registered in the 57kg category but has yet to confirm her participation. The trials will cover six Olympic weight categories for women (50kg, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 68kg, 76kg), with notable rivalries expected in lower weights. The men's freestyle and Greco-Roman trials will be held on Sunday in Lucknow.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Supreme Court allows Vinesh Phogat to participate in Asian Games 2026 selection trials
On May 29, 2026, the Supreme Court of India, led by Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, rejected the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) plea challenging a Delhi High Court order. The High Court had allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials scheduled for May 30. The WFI had declared Phogat ineligible, but the High Court ruled its selection policy was exclusionary, lacking discretion to consider an iconic player returning from maternity leave. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, clearing Phogat's path to compete in the trials.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Wrestling Federation of India challenges Delhi High Court order in Supreme Court over Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games trial eligibility
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The High Court had ruled on May 22 that the WFI's selection policy was exclusionary, lacking discretion to consider an iconic athlete like Phogat returning from maternity leave. The trials are scheduled for May 30-31 and must be video-recorded, with independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association present. A Supreme Court bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the WFI's plea on May 28, 2026. The case highlights tensions between sports federation autonomy and judicial intervention in athlete eligibility.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Wrestling Federation of India Challenges Delhi HC Order Allowing Vinesh Phogat in Asian Games Trials
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The WFI argues the High Court's decision undermines its selection framework. The High Court had ruled on May 22 that the WFI's policy was exclusionary for lacking discretion to consider an iconic player like Phogat, who is returning from a maternity break. The court also mandated video recording of the trials and the presence of independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the WFI's plea on May 28, 2026.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.