Vinesh Phogat Asian Games 2026 Trials: What will Vinesh Phogat do now after losing in the selection trials of Asian Games 2026? Why did Vinesh Phogat say – I am not a loser, I am a winner? Did Vinesh just lose the competition, or is there a big twist in the story? After losing to Meenakshi, Vinesh revealed many secrets, what is the whole matter?
Meenakshi vs Vinesh Phogat: Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s dream of representing India in the Asian Games 2026 has been shattered for the time being. In the semi-final match of 53 kg category of the selection trials held on Saturday, she had to face defeat by 4-6 at the hands of Meenakshi. After this defeat, Vinesh said that she accepts defeat, but facing challenges and standing strong against the system makes her feel like a winner.
Earlier, Vinesh had defeated Nishu in her second bout, while in the first bout she had defeated Jyoti by a huge margin of 7-1.
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“The whole system was on one side and my team and I were on the other side.
- Speaking to reporters, Vinesh said, “The entire system was on one side and my team and I were sitting on the other side… Everyone is in collusion, and this is a one-sided fight… I have no problem with winning or losing. This is not the first time I am losing, and we learn only by losing. But when the entire system is stacked against you, and you still have the courage to fight, then I see myself as a winner.”
- She also said that the recent decision of the Delhi High Court has opened the way for a better environment for the upcoming wrestlers. She said, “I want that the very important decision taken by the Delhi High Court for me has now opened a new path for other budding wrestlers… In the times to come, they will have to make a new rule that women wrestlers who want to make a comeback after becoming mothers, should be given a level playing field…”
WFI said the selection was fair
- Meanwhile, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh on Saturday termed the Asian Games 2026 selection trials as completely fair after Vinesh’s defeat.
- Speaking to ANI, WFI President Singh said, “The trials were very clean. For this I would like to congratulate all the referees, officials and media friends. Everyone deserves credit for the fair selection under the supervision of all. Congratulations to the kids who won. And those who lost should keep working hard and come back with better preparation.”
- He further said that observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports were also present during the trials, which further strengthened the transparency. “So, regarding the allegations, I don’t think any of the allegations will stand,” Singh said.
Vinesh Phogat’s weight was 53.9 kg
- Earlier today, the WFI had confirmed Vinesh’s participation in the selection trials in the 53kg category for the Asian Games. “As per the approved schedule for the Asian Games Selection Trials, the weigh-ins for all weight categories including the women’s 53 kg category were held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the necessary formalities,” the WFI statement said.
- The statement further said, “All eligible wrestlers have been approved to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to begin soon.”
- Vinesh Phogat weighed 53.9 kg and was placed in the 53 kg draw.
Despite the ban, the Supreme Court gave permission
- As per the directions of the Delhi High Court, Aditi Chauhan on behalf of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and M M Somaiya on behalf of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are present as observers during the trials at the IG Stadium. WFI President Sanjay Singh is also present there.
- WFI had gone to the Supreme Court against the High Court order; However, while granting interim relief to Phogat, the Supreme Court on Friday also sought her response on a petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging her participation. The next hearing of this case is to be held on Monday, June 1.
- In its May 22 order, the Delhi High Court had directed that Phogat be allowed to participate in the selection trials to be held on May 30 and 31.
- The High Court had further ordered that the trials be video-recorded to ensure transparency in the selection process and be conducted under the supervision of independent observers appointed by SAI and IOA.
- These directions were issued by a division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia while hearing Phogat’s appeal against the interim order passed by a single-judge bench.