Vinesh Phogat allowed to compete in 53kg category Asian Games trials after initial refusal from WFI

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) tried to stop Vinesh Phogat once again on Saturday at the Asian Games selection trials. After the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court overruled WFI and allowed two-time world medallist Phogat to participate in the trials, the federation made one last attempt to block her way.

The dramatic turn of events came during the official weigh-in on Saturday morning when Vinesh was informed that she would be permitted to compete only in the 50kg category, citing her participation in that weight class in her last four international events, including the Paris Olympics.

The wrestler strongly objected to the decision and accused the federation of discriminating against her by denying her the opportunity to compete in a category of her choice.

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Eventually, after much argument, the federation officials relented and allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the women's 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials.

Reportedly, the decision was reversed after WFI president Sanjay Singh's intervention.

“We allowed her after she threw accusations and asked the officials to take her weight," WFI President Sanjay Singh told news agency PTI.

“We do not want to discriminate anyone. She did not inform which category she wants to compete and we are still letting her."

Vinesh weighed in at 53.9kg and was accommodated in the 53kg draw.

The Haryana wrestler who is also an MLA from Julana will be facing Meenakshi Goyat and Antim Panghal in the trials.

The winner of the Asian Games trials represents India at the continental mega event later this year.

With agency inputs