WFI Reverses Decision, Vinesh Phogat to Compete in 53kg Asian Games Trials

The Wrestling Federation of India has changed its stance, allowing Vinesh Phogat to compete in the 53kg category for the Asian Games selection trials, reversing its earlier decision limiting her to the 50kg division. This decision followed objections from Vinesh and interventions by WFI officials.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reconsidered its earlier stance and will allow Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials. Initially, Vinesh was restricted to the 50kg division due to her recent participation records, including the Paris Olympics.

The decision change followed strong objections from Vinesh, who claimed discrimination in being denied the chance to compete in her preferred weight class. Following the intervention of WFI President Sanjay Singh, Vinesh successfully weighed in at 53.9kg, joining the 53kg trials, setting up an intense competition.

The federation's initial decision caused controversy, further intensified by a Delhi High Court order requiring WFI to consider Vinesh an 'iconic player' eligible for the trials. Despite WFI's earlier assurance of limiting her to the 50kg category, the federation has now opened the door for her in the 53kg trials.

The move ends debates over her competition category, keeping one of India's renowned wrestlers in pursuit of an Asian Games spot, where she'll face contenders like Antim Panghal and Meenakshi Goyat.