Vinesh Phogat’s fears come true, WFI blocks wrestler’s path to Asian Video games


Wrestler Vinesh Phogat is not going to be thought-about for the Asian Video games 2026 after being ignored of the choice trials beneath the Wrestling Federation of India’s newest eligibility standards.

As per the brand new guidelines, solely medal winners from 2025 and 2026 competitions will likely be allowed to take part within the choice trials. This successfully guidelines Phogat out, as she has not competed in any skilled occasion since her heartbreaking disqualification on the Paris Olympics 2024.

Phogat had earlier raised issues that the Wrestling Federation of India was making an attempt to dam her return to the home circuit. She claimed that the federation didn’t reply when she initially tried to register for the Nationwide Open Rating Event.

“I hope to make a comeback on the Nationwide Open Rating Event. The registration for it was open until April 30. Nevertheless, once I tried to register, the portal says it’s now closed,” she stated.

After she went public together with her issues, the WFI processed her registration on the deadline day. WFI president Sanjay Singh denied any wrongdoing and stated her registration had already been accomplished, although it was solely created after her criticism surfaced.

Phogat additionally alleged that she confronted comparable points forward of the Federation Cup.

“I meant to compete there too, however the crew choice standards have been modified on the final minute, so I couldn’t participate,” she stated. “It seems like it is a deliberate try to cease me from competing, particularly since this is a vital match to stay in rivalry for the Asian Video games and World Championship choice trials.”

The WFI’s newest launch seems to bolster her issues. The federation has restricted eligibility to medal winners from choose 2025 and 2026 occasions and clearly acknowledged that previous performances is not going to be thought-about.

Eligibility Standards for Asian Video games Choice Trials

All medal winners of the 2025 Senior Nationwide Wrestling Championship held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat from December 12 to 14, 2025.

All medal winners of the 2026 Senior Federation Cup held in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh from February 12 to 14, 2026.

All medal winners of the Below 20 Nationwide Wrestling Championship held in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh from April 10 to 12, 2026.

The ladies’s wrestling trials will likely be held on Could 30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, whereas the freestyle and Greco Roman trials are scheduled for Could 31 on the SAI Regional Centre in Lucknow.

– Ends

Printed By:

Kingshuk Kusari

Printed On:

Could 6, 2026 22:28 IST