Vinesh Phogat out of contention for WFI Asian Games 2026 trials in New Delhi and Lucknow; Past performances not considered

Vinesh Phogat out of contention for Wrestling Federation of India’s Asian Games 2026 trials

Only wrestlers who have participated in select tournaments since December last year are eligible for the trials. Vinesh has not competed since the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Three-time OlympianVinesh Phogathas been ruled ineligible for theAsian Games 2026selection trials following the criteria announced by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Wednesday.

As per the federation, eligibility for thewrestlingtrials is restricted to medal winners from three domestic events - the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championships, the 2026 Senior Federation Cup and the Under-20 National Wrestling Championships.

The senior nationals were held in December while the Federation Cup took place in February.

Vinesh Phogat has not competed in any of these tournaments, having been away from competition since theParis 2024 Olympicsand therefore does not meet the eligibility requirements.

She had retired from wrestling immediately after the Summer Games but in December last year, Vinesh announced that she was returning to the sport.

Her time away from the mat also included a personal milestone, as she became a mother in July last year.

The 31-year-oldIndian wrestlerhad recently set the National Open Ranking Tournament in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled from May 10 to 12, as her return event.

As per the WFI, results at the National Open Ranking Tournament will not be considered for eligibility at the selection trials.

The WFI has scheduled theAsian Gamesselection trials across two days later this month.

Women’s wrestling selection trials will be held on May 30 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, while men’sfreestyleandGreco-Romancompetitions are set for May 31 at the Regional Centre in Lucknow.

The trials will be conducted across all 18 Olympic weight categories, with six divisions in each of the three disciplines.

The WFI has also clarified that past performances will not be considered in the selection process, placing sole emphasis on results at the trials.

The Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4.

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