Vinesh Phogat makes winning return at Asian Games selection trials

Following a dramatic 48-hour standoff and Supreme Court intervention, Vinesh Phogat made a triumphant return to competitive wrestling, defeating Jyoti 7-1 in the 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi

New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat made a triumphant return to competitive wrestling on Saturday, securing a convincing 7-1 victory over Jyoti in the women’s 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials in New Delhi.

The victory came just a day after the Supreme Court and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) intervened to allow her participation.

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The decorated wrestler had initially been restricted to the 50kg category by the WFI. However, she launched her campaign with confidence after the federation reversed its decision on Saturday morning. The turnaround followed an intervention by WFI president Sanjay Singh, who backed her entry into the 53kg trials.

In her opening bout against Jyoti, Vinesh started cautiously, relying on standing wrestling early on. She earned the opening point via a push-out and later attempted a double-leg attack, which did not score. The momentum shifted at the start of the second period when Vinesh was placed on the activity clock, prompting her to intensify her offense.

She converted a right-leg attack into a swift takedown to lead 3-0, then displayed exceptional defensive skills to thwart a strong leg attack from Jyoti. Capitalizing on the counter-attack, Vinesh executed two quick scoring moves to extend her lead to 7-0 before Jyoti secured a late push-out point to avoid a shutout.

The victory sets up a second-round clash against Nishu, who advanced after defeating Riya by fall. If the bouts proceed according to the draw, Vinesh and fellow star wrestler Antim Panghal are on track for a highly anticipated final. However, Vinesh is projected to face the skilled Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals first.

Antim also enjoyed a dominant start, needing just 34 seconds to defeat Tannu by technical superiority. The young wrestler quickly trapped her opponent in a fitley (leg-lace) move, rolling her five times consecutively to seal a decisive victory.

Vinesh’s participation in the trials capped a dramatic 48 hours. On Friday, a Supreme Court bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha ruled that she must be allowed to compete in the selection trials, stating that the veteran wrestler deserved the opportunity given her years of success for the country.

Initially, the WFI had mandated that Vinesh could only compete in the 50kg division—a decision she vehemently opposed while accusing the federation of discrimination. Following further deliberations and internal leadership intervention, the WFI relented on Saturday morning, clearing her path for the 53kg trials.