New Delhi : Veteran wrestler and Olympian Vinesh Phogat continued her impressive form at the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, registering her second successive victory at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. Competing in the women’s 53kg category, Phogat defeated Nishu to strengthen her bid for a place in India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Earlier in the day, the Haryana wrestler had opened her campaign with a commanding 7-1 win over Jyoti, underlining her determination to return to international competition. Ahead of the trials, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) confirmed Phogat’s participation after she successfully completed the official weigh-in process. The federation stated that all eligible wrestlers, including Phogat, fulfilled the required formalities and were cleared to compete.
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Phogat weighed in at 53.9 kg and was placed in the 53kg draw alongside strong contenders, including Meenakshi Goyat and Antim Panghal. The winner of the trials will earn the right to represent India at the continental event later this year. The selection trials are being conducted under close supervision following directions from the Delhi High Court. Independent observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) have been appointed to oversee the process and ensure transparency. WFI President Sanjay Singh is also present at the venue.
The legal dispute surrounding Phogat’s participation remains ongoing. On Friday, the Supreme Court granted interim relief allowing her to compete and sought her response to a petition filed by the WFI challenging her inclusion in the trials. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 1. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed that Phogat be allowed to participate in the trials and ordered that the proceedings be video-recorded under the supervision of independent observers. With two convincing victories already under her belt, Phogat has emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the 53kg category and remains on course for a place in India’s Asian Games squad.
