'I was not given a fair deal': Vinesh Phogat's first reaction after failing to qualify for Asian Games 2026

Following her exit from the Asian Games selection trials, Vinesh Phogat asserted on May 30 that she has "not failed," despite suffering a semifinal defeat to Meenakshi Goyat. Refusing to let the loss define her, the veteran wrestler vowed to bounce back and come back stronger in the future.

I have not failed, Was fighting a whole system: Vinesh Phogat after trials heartbreak

Vinesh was knocked out of the highly competitive trials after a tense and closely contested 4-6 defeat against Meenakshi in the women's 53kg event.

Reflecting on the setback and sharing her thoughts on the trial defeat, Vinesh said:

"I have not failed. I was fighting a whole system, I was on one side and everyone else on the other".

Vinesh was permitted to compete in the selection trials following a series of successful legal interventions. Her participation was cleared by the Supreme Court, which came on the heels of a favorable ruling from the Delhi High Court.

"I had to fight for every point, I was not given a fair deal."

Following the trials, Vinesh vowed to make a comeback, confirming that she will keep preparing for the future, though she did not specify which event she would compete in next.

Drama-filled Asian Games trials

Earlier in the day, the two-time World Championships medalist was finally allowed to compete in the women's 53kg category after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) reversed its initial stance, which had restricted her participation to the 50kg division. This dramatic turn of events unfolded during the official weigh-in on Saturday morning. Vinesh was initially informed that she would only be permitted to compete in the 50kg category, with officials citing her participation in that specific weight class during her last four international events, including the Paris Olympics.

The wrestler strongly objected to the restriction, accusing the federation of discrimination and arguing that she was being unfairly denied the opportunity to compete in the category of her choice. Reportedly, the situation escalated rapidly until WFI president Sanjay Singh intervened, ultimately deciding to defuse the tension by allowing Vinesh to enter the 53kg trials as well.