India's decorated wrestler Vinesh Phogat has officially been allowed to participate in the women's 53kg category at the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, which are being held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) confirmed her participation through an official statement on Saturday after the weigh-in process was completed.
WFI Confirms Vinesh's Participation
According to the WFI, all eligible wrestlers reported for the scheduled weigh-ins and completed the required formalities.
"The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women's 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities," the WFI said in a statement.
The federation added that all wrestlers who met the eligibility requirements had been cleared to take part in the trials.
Tough Competition Awaits
Vinesh weighed in at 53.9 kg and was included in the 53kg category draw. The Haryana wrestler, who is also the MLA from Julana, will compete against Meenakshi Goyat and Antim Panghal in the trials. The winner will earn the right to represent India at the Asian Games later this year.
Independent Observers Monitoring the Trials
Following directions from the Delhi High Court, the selection trials are being conducted under independent supervision.
Aditi Chauhan from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and M.M. Somaiya from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are present as observers to ensure transparency in the process. WFI President Sanjay Singh is also attending the trials.
Supreme Court Seeks Vinesh's Response
The legal battle surrounding Vinesh's participation is still ongoing. On Friday, the Supreme Court granted her interim relief and also asked her to respond to a petition filed by the WFI challenging her participation in the selection trials. The matter is expected to come up for hearing again on June 1.
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Delhi High Court Had Allowed Her to Compete
The Delhi High Court had earlier ruled that Vinesh should be allowed to participate in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The court also directed that the entire process be video-recorded and monitored by independent observers appointed by the SAI and IOA to ensure fairness.
The order was passed by a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
Why Was Vinesh Challenging the WFI Policy?
Vinesh had challenged the WFI's Asian Games Selection Policy issued in February 2026, along with a later circular released in May.
Under the policy, only medal winners from selected domestic tournaments held in 2025 and 2026 were eligible to participate in the selection trials.
Vinesh argued that the rules unfairly excluded her because she was unable to compete in those tournaments during her maternity break.
Maternity Break Led to Eligibility Issue
According to court records, Vinesh informed the International Testing Agency (ITA) in December 2024 that she was taking time away from wrestling due to pregnancy and planned to return later.
She gave birth to her first child in July 2025 and resumed training afterward.
The ITA later confirmed that she would be eligible to return to competition from January 1, 2026.
However, because she missed key tournaments during her maternity leave, she did not meet the eligibility criteria set by the WFI.
Court Questions WFI's Selection Rules
While hearing the matter, the Delhi High Court observed that the selection policy appeared to be arbitrary and discriminatory at first glance.
The court noted that limiting participation only to medal winners from specific events could unfairly exclude athletes like Vinesh, who were absent due to valid reasons such as maternity.
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Court Criticises WFI's Remarks on Paris Olympics Controversy
The High Court also expressed concern over comments made by the WFI in a show-cause notice issued to Vinesh regarding the Paris Olympics 2024 weigh-in controversy.
The federation had reportedly described the incident as a "national embarrassment."
The court strongly objected to those remarks, calling them "deplorable" and suggesting they appeared vindictive and premeditated.
The judges also pointed out that the Court of Arbitration for Sport had previously observed that there was no wrongdoing on Vinesh's part.
ALSO READ: Vinesh Phogat Cleared For Asian Games Trials As Delhi HC Questions WFI Selection Rules
Final Decision Yet to Be Taken
Although the court granted Vinesh permission to compete in the trials, it clarified that no final view has been taken on the larger dispute.
The main writ petition remains pending before a single-judge bench, which will decide the matter independently based on its merits.