Vinesh Phogat stands proud after Asian Games trials: I am fighting the whole system
Defeat on the mat could not dampen Vinesh Phogat’s spirits as her highly anticipated comeback bid concluded at the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday. The former World Championship medalist declared that her true victory lay in defying a system that tried to keep her away, successfully returning to elite competition just ten months after embracing motherhood.
The 31-year-old’s pursuit of a spot in India’s 2026 Asian Games squad ended at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium following a gruelling 4-6 semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg category. Stepping off the mat, an unyielding Vinesh launched a scathing attack on the wrestling administration, alleging systemic discrimination, mental harassment, and deliberate roadblocks designed to thwart her return despite a favorable Delhi High Court ruling.
Refusing to label her semifinal exit a setback, the trailblazer emphasized that competing against a younger generation after childbirth was a triumph in itself, aimed at inspiring mothers and young athletes nationwide.
“I have not failed at all. I am fighting the whole system and I am still standing with pride on the mat again. They wanted to stop me from returning, but I am standing here. I am proud of what I have achieved in these 10 months since my son was born, competing against the younger generation. I hope I can inspire my son and many women wrestlers.
“When I should have been focusing on my recovery and preparation, I was arguing with officials. They gave me a letter saying I could compete only in 50kg. It was mental harassment. I know the system will continue to create challenges, but I hope that through hard work I can leave it behind. I accept my defeat—fitness and endurance were issues, and I needed more match practice after nearly two years away. But I am motivated. I know I can beat these younger girls. I still have that courage and belief, and I have absolutely come back to the mat for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
While Vinesh gracefully took responsibility for her physical exhaustion during the bout, she slammed the calculated scheduling and skewed draws meant to deplete her energy. Expressing deep disappointment over the silence of the Sports Ministry and the IOA, she clarified that her angst was directed solely at the puppet masters controlling the sport, noting that many young wrestlers support her privately but remain tight-lipped out of sheer fear of powerful administrators.
VINESH PHOGAT’S CHAOTIC ASIAN GAMES TRIALS
Vinesh’s return to the mat was explosive from the start, beginning with a tense morning standoff against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Officials initially tried to restrict her to the 50kg category, citing her past international appearances, including the Paris Olympics, prompting fierce objections from Vinesh until WFI chief Sanjay Singh intervened to clear her entry into the 53kg division.
The dramatic narrative followed her into the arena; after a clinical 7-1 opening win over Jyoti, Vinesh survived a chaotic, fiery quarterfinal against Nishu. Trailing 0-5, she mounted a spectacular second-period comeback to edge the bout 7-6, navigating technical screen malfunctions, multiple review challenges, and a heated verbal altercation between tournament officials and her camp, including husband Somvir Rathee.
While the emotional and physical toll eventually caught up with her against a steady Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals, Vinesh’s historic legal and athletic comeback has successfully carved out a landmark pathway for future mothers in Indian sport.
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