WFI Selection Policy Leaves Vinesh Phogat Out of Asian Games Race

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s aspirations of competing at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, have suffered a significant setback following the latest announcement by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

On Wednesday, the WFI released the schedule and eligibility criteria for the Asian Games selection trials, which effectively diminish the chances of the 2018 Asian Games champion participating in the national trials for the Asiad.

As per the federation’s circular, only medallists from the Senior National Championships 2025, Federation Cup 2026, and U20 National Wrestling Championships 2026 will be eligible to compete in the trials later this month – criteria that Vinesh does not meet, as she missed both senior tournaments. This effectively closes the door on her Asian Games hopes for now.

The women’s trials for the Asiad will be held on 30 May at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, while freestyle and Greco-Roman trials will take place in Lucknow on 31 May at the SAI Regional Centre.

The trials for the Asian Games will be conducted across the following 18 Olympic weight categories:

Freestyle: 57, 65, 74, 86, 97 & 125 kg

Greco-Roman: 60, 67, 77, 87, 97 & 130 kg

Women’s Wrestling: 50, 53, 57, 62, 68 & 76 kg

Comeback After 20-Month Hiatus

Vinesh, who stepped away from the sport following the heartbreak of the Paris Olympics, is set to return to the mat after a 20-month hiatus at the National Open Ranking Series in the 57 kg category – 4 kg above her usual division and 7 kg higher than her Paris Olympics weight class.

The tournament is scheduled to be held from 10–12 May in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, a venue considered a stronghold of former WFI president and six-term former Member of Parliament, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Explosive Allegations and Safety Concerns

On 3 May 2026, Phogat released a video message on her social media, raising concerns about safety and potential biased officiating at the upcoming ranking tournament.

The decorated Indian wrestler also broke her long-standing silence regarding the ongoing legal case, officially identifying herself as one of the six women wrestlers who filed sexual harassment complaints against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan.

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