The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided not to challenge the High Court's order issued on Saturday and will permit Vinesh Phogat, a two-time World Championships medallist and three-time Olympian, to participate in the selection trials scheduled at the KD Jadhav indoor hall of the IG stadium. However, the federation remains firm on not altering its existing selection policy, asserting that any changes could "adversely affect the morale of other wrestlers."
Uncertain Road Ahead for Vinesh Phogat
Even if Vinesh emerges victorious in the trials, her path to representing India at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, is not guaranteed. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has already submitted a 'long list' of athletes to the event organisers on May 15, and Vinesh's name was not included by the WFI.
According to sources, for participation in major multisport events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, or Asian Games, national federations must first submit a long list to the IOA, which is then forwarded to the organisers. Under international regulations, athletes can only be added later through the 'Late Athlete Replacement (LAR)' provision, and even then, replacements are typically drawn from the existing long list.
The process would also require approval from United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport's global governing body. UWW may not automatically accept a late entry based solely on an Indian court ruling, as International Federations (IFs) are governed by their own statutes and the Olympic Charter.
UWW Backs WFI in Dispute
Significantly, UWW has already supported the WFI in its ongoing dispute with Vinesh. The global body reportedly informed the federation that it is within its rights to initiate disciplinary proceedings and take action after reviewing Vinesh's response to a show-cause notice.
Vinesh Changes Weight Category Again
TOI has learned that Vinesh has once again changed her weight category. After initially registering in the women's 57kg division for the senior open ranking series event in Gonda following her return from retirement, she approached the court seeking permission to compete in the women's 53kg category, her original weight class before the Paris Olympics cycle.
In the 53kg trials, Vinesh will face leading wrestlers Antim Panghal, Nishu Bhanwala, and Meenakshi Goyat, all of whom are already part of the official long list submitted to organisers. Meenakshi recently won silver at the Asian Championships after defeating Antim in the selection trials.
Possible Scenario of No Representation
Sources indicated that there is a possibility that the women's 53kg category could go unrepresented at the Asian Games, even if Vinesh wins the trials but her name is ultimately not accepted by organisers, while the wrestlers (Antim, Nishu, and Meenakshi) already included in the long list are not sent.
