Vinesh Phogat wins before wrestling begins, forces WFI to let her compete at 53kg | Full story
PTC Web Desk: Vinesh Phogat's Saturday did not start well, but it ended on her terms. When she arrived at the Asian Games selection trials, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) told her she could only compete in the 50kg category, pointing to her last four international bouts, including the Paris Olympics, all fought at that weight. Vinesh refused to accept it. She pushed back hard, accused the federation of singling her out unfairly and demanded they weigh her in.
Things got heated at the venue before WFI president Sanjay Singh stepped in and cleared the way for her to enter the 53kg trials. "We do not want to discriminate anyone," he was quoted as saying by PTI, adding that she had not informed the federation which category she wanted beforehand, yet they let her in anyway.
Vinesh weighed in at 53.9kg and was placed in the 53kg draw.
The Delhi High Court had already told the WFI to treat her as an "iconic player" and let her participate in the trials.
Now Vinesh faces a tough field. She will go up against Antim Panghal, a strong and proven name, along with the in-form Meenakshi Goyat. The winner gets to represent India at the Asian Games.
Vinesh kept it short when speaking to reporters: "I am here for at least two years."
- With inputs from agencies
