Olympian Vinesh Phogat successfully cleared the weigh-in for the women’s 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi. With legal hurdles behind her, the celebrated wrestler is now eligible to compete for a place in India’s Asian Games squad as she continues her comeback journey.
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has successfully cleared a significant procedural hurdle ahead of the upcoming Asian Games selection trials after completing the mandatory weigh-in process at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. The development paves the way for the star wrestler to participate in the trials and continue her pursuit of representing India at the continental event.
According to officials associated with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), all eligible wrestlers reported for the scheduled weigh-in across various categories. Vinesh Phogat, competing in the women’s 53kg category, completed all required formalities and was subsequently declared eligible to participate in the selection process.
In an official statement, the WFI confirmed that the weigh-in for all categories was conducted according to the approved schedule. The federation stated that every eligible athlete who fulfilled the prescribed requirements had been cleared to take part in the selection trials, which are expected to commence shortly.
The successful completion of the weigh-in comes after days of uncertainty surrounding Vinesh’s participation in the trials. The issue had gained national attention following legal proceedings related to her eligibility and weight category.
Earlier, the Wrestling Federation of India approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on a Delhi High Court order that allowed Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials. However, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the High Court’s decision, effectively allowing the wrestler to compete in the selection process.
Despite the court’s refusal to halt her participation, a fresh debate emerged regarding the weight category in which Vinesh would be permitted to compete. WFI sources had earlier indicated that she would be allowed to participate only in the 50kg category, the same division in which she competed during the Paris Olympics cycle, despite her recent shift to a higher weight class.
The federation’s position sparked discussions within wrestling circles, as Vinesh has enjoyed considerable success in multiple weight categories throughout her career. Beginning her international journey in the 48kg division, she later moved to 51kg before establishing herself in the 53kg category. It was in the 53kg class that she earned two World Championship medals and represented India at the Tokyo Olympics.
Ahead of the Paris Olympics qualification process, Vinesh competed in both the 50kg and 53kg divisions before ultimately securing qualification in the 50kg category. During the Paris Olympics in 2024, she produced an impressive campaign and reached the final of the women’s 50kg event. However, her hopes of competing for Olympic gold were dashed after she narrowly failed to make the required weight limit during the final weigh-in, resulting in a heartbreaking setback.
Following the disappointment in Paris, the decorated wrestler announced her retirement from competitive wrestling. The decision marked what many believed was the end of one of India’s most successful wrestling careers.
However, in December 2025, Vinesh surprised the sporting community by reversing her retirement decision. Determined to return to elite competition, she announced her intention to target the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and resume her quest for international success.
Her comeback journey has also coincided with significant personal milestones. During her time away from competitive wrestling, Vinesh embraced motherhood, welcoming a child in July last year. Since then, she has worked towards regaining competitive fitness while preparing for a return to the international wrestling stage.
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Now, with the weigh-in hurdle successfully cleared and legal obstacles behind her, Vinesh Phogat stands poised to compete in the Asian Games selection trials. The outcome of the trials will determine whether the celebrated wrestler can take another major step toward representing India on one of Asia’s biggest sporting platforms and continue her remarkable comeback story.
