Vinesh Phogat's attempt to secure a spot in India's Asian Games squad ended in defeat despite a dramatic comeback attempt, marked by controversy and allegations of bias against the Wrestling Federation of India.
Vinesh Phogat's bid for the 2026 Asian Games squad ended with a semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg category selection trials, following a contentious day that included a weight category dispute.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court decision permitting wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, citing the WFI's policy as exclusionary for athletes returning from maternity leave.
Delhi High Court allows Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in Asian Games 2026 selection trials, overturning WFI's ineligibility ruling. The court cited discrimination against female athletes due to motherhood.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat can participate in the Asian Games selection trials, criticizing the Wrestling Federation of India's policy for unfairly excluding athletes returning from maternity leave.
The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games selection trials, citing 'interest of sports and justice.' The court ordered video recording and presence of independent observers for the May 30-31 trials, noting WFI's exclusionary policy regarding players on sabbatical.
Delhi High Court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for calling Vinesh Phogat's potential Olympic disqualification a "national shame." The court will ensure her participation in Asian Games trials, questioning WFI's "retrograde" selection policy, especially concerning new mothers.
Delhi High Court questioned the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to declare Vinesh Phogat 'ineligible' after her maternity break, suggesting rules may have been changed to target her. The court urged the Centre to form an expert panel for her fitness evaluation ahead of Asian Games trials.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to declare Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic competitions, suggesting rules might have been changed to target her after her maternity break. The court urged the government to form an expert panel to assess her fitness for the Asian Games trials.
The Delhi High Court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible and directed the Centre to form an expert panel to assess her case. The court urged her participation in Asian Games trials, stating motherhood should be celebrated, not punished.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Centre to form an expert panel to assess wrestler Vinesh Phogat's eligibility for domestic events and upcoming Asian Games trials after she was declared ineligible by the WFI. The court criticized the WFI's decision, citing her maternity break and international repute.
Three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat's attempted comeback in wrestling at the senior open ranking series in Gonda, India, was embroiled in controversy due to the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) rules, sparking debate among fellow wrestlers and calls for intervention.
The United World Wrestling (UWW) supports the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) authority to decide on Vinesh Phogat's future participation and disciplinary actions, citing national federation rights under UWW rules.
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distances himself from Vinesh Phogat's trial participation controversy, stating it falls under the current WFI administration. He defends WFI's past functioning, saying no athlete was barred without reason.
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stated that Vinesh Phogat's participation in wrestling trials is under the current WFI administration's purview. He defended his tenure, asserting the WFI never barred athletes without valid reasons. Phogat was declared ineligible by the WFI until 2026 due to ongoing disciplinary proceedings, a decision she disputes, citing international clearance.
Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distances himself from Vinesh Phogat's trial controversy, citing it's under the current WFI's jurisdiction, while defending WFI's past functioning under his tenure.
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat in her dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India over returning from retirement. Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene, saying many countries support athletes after motherhood. Vinesh, now a Congress MLA and mother of a 10-month-old, is challenging WFI’s six-month comeback rule.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was denied entry to a domestic tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, her planned comeback event. Citing pending disciplinary proceedings and a notice she hadn't responded to, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) declared her suspended. Phogat, who accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, claims this is a conspiracy to force her retirement.
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of conspiring to force her out of the sport. Phogat insists she is eligible to return to competitive wrestling, refuting WFI claims about notice periods and rule violations. The WFI, however, maintains she cannot compete until disciplinary proceedings are concluded.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has formally responded to the Wrestling Federation of India's notice. She asserts her eligibility to return to competitive wrestling from January 1, 2026. Phogat claims she has official confirmation from the International Testing Agency. She intends to compete in the ongoing Senior Open Ranking Tournament. Phogat denies anti-doping rule violations and allegations regarding selection trials.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat asserts her eligibility for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, despite the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) stance. WFI claims she must complete disciplinary proceedings and adhere to a mandatory notice period for retired athletes. Phogat argues she informed United World Wrestling of her intent to resume competition, but the federation remains unconvinced.
