At the Asian Games selection trials,wrestler Vinesh Phogat took a tough loss in semifinals, falling to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg category at IGI Stadium. The competition was mired in controversy,with Vinesh voicing her frustrations about the events leading up to her match.
Vinesh's journey to the mat was anything but smooth. Early Saturday,she got a circular from Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that finally cleared her to compete in the 53kg category . But that approval came after a long wait and protests,including talk of possible legal action . “It was never a fair fight . I had to wait for more than an hour for weigh-in and was allowed only after our lawyers spoke of going to the court again,” she said, expressing her frustrations. “They put all the strong competitors in my half of draw.”
Even with this setback, Vinesh stayed determined. “One loss doesn’t define anyone’s future . I am back after giving birth 10 months ago . I still have the courage and strength and I will work hard and return to the mat,” she said. Her resolve shows a larger struggle, as tensions with the WFI have been clear,hinting at fragile peace shaped by court involvement.
Vinesh's fight goes beyond the mat. She wants to inspire her son and is eyeing the upcoming LA28 Olympics. “We are fighting judges,federation,whole system on one side. The decisions were not fair, but when you fight an entire system,you are a winner,” she noted. Vinesh hopes recent comments from the Delhi High Court will spark changes that help female wrestlers coming back from maternity leave .
Meanwhile, Meenakshi Goyat, who earned her spot in finals,shrugged off the match's pressure. “If I thought of pressure,I would never be able to compete. I simply blocked everything and only focused on doing the right things,” she said after her win .
