“I see myself as a winner”: Olympian Vinesh Phogat after Asian Games selection trials loss

New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): Following her loss in the 53kg semi-final bout at the Asian Games 2026 selection trials on Saturday, Olympian Vinesh Phogat said that while she accepts defeat, facing the challenges and standing firm against the system makes her feel like a winner.
Phogat's hope to represent India at the Asian Games 2026 came to an end after she lost 4-6 against Meenakshi.
Earlier, Phogat won her second bout against Nishu after defeating Jyoti with a commanding 7-1 scoreline in the first bout.
Speaking to reporters, Phogat said, "The entire system was on one side and my team and I were seated on the other side... Everyone is colluding, and it's a one-sided fight... I have no issue with winning or losing. This isn't the first time I'm losing, and we learn only by losing, but when the entire system stands against you, and yet you have the courage to fight, then I see myself as a winner."
She added that a recent decision by the Delhi High Court had paved the way for a fairer environment for upcoming wrestlers. "I want that the very significant decision that the Delhi High Court has taken for me has now opened a new path for other upcoming wrestlers... In the coming times, they will have to make a new rule that women wrestlers who want to make a comeback after becoming mothers should be given a fair opportunity..."
Meanwhile, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh has defended the fair selections of the Asian Games 2026 selection trials following Phogat's loss on Saturday.
Speaking to ANI, WFI President Singh said, "The trials were very clean. For that, I want to congratulate all the referees, the officials, and the media friends. Everyone deserves credit for a fair selection that happened under everyone's watch. Congratulations to the children who won. And to those who lost, they should keep working hard and come back with better preparation."
He added that observers from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports were present during the trials, reinforcing transparency. "So, about the allegations, I don't think there will be any," Singh remarked.
Earlier today, the WFI confirmed Phogat's participation in the 53kg category selection trials for the Asian Games.
"The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women's 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities," the WFI statement said.
"Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly," the statement added.
Vinesh Phogat weighed in at 53.9 kg and was slotted into the 53 kg draw.
As directed by the Delhi High Court, Aditi Chauhan from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and M M Somaiya from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) are present as observers during the trials at the IG Stadium. WFI President Sanjay Singh is also present.
The WFI had gone to the Supreme Court against the High Court order; however, granting interim relief to Phogat, the Supreme Court on Friday also sought her response to the petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging her participation in the trials. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on Monday, June 1.
In its May 22 order, the Delhi High Court had directed that Phogat be allowed to participate in the selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The High Court further ordered that the trials be video-recorded and conducted under the supervision of independent observers appointed by the SAI and the IOA to ensure transparency in the selection process.
The directions were issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia while hearing Phogat's appeal against an interim order passed by a single-judge Bench. (ANI)