In a dramatic and emotionally charged afternoon at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Vinesh Phogat’s hopes of securing a berth for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, came to a heartbreaking end. The veteran grappler was knocked out in the semifinals of the women’s 53kg selection trials, falling 4-6 to Asian bronze medalist Meenakshi Goyat.
The defeat marks a staggering setback for the star wrestler, effectively dashing her immediate comeback ambitions after a gruelling, roller-coaster day on the mat.
Before her semi-final exit, Vinesh’s campaign was a masterclass in resilience. The day began with administrative hurdles just to secure permission to compete in the 53kg category. Once cleared, she opened her bid with a commanding 7-1 victory over Haryana’s Jyoti.
However, it was the quarterfinal clash against a super-aggressive and technically sound Nishu that truly tested the former World Championship medallist’s resolve.
In a fiercely fought bout, Nishu stunned Vinesh early on, executing a sensational four-point throw to open up a massive 5-0 lead. Nishu nearly pinned the veteran wrestler right there, but Vinesh summoned her years of experience to survive the onslaught.
The contest soon devolved into a tense, chaotic battle. It was heavily disrupted by frequent coaching challenges and technical failures with the venue’s display screens. While the resulting long breaks fractured the pacing of the match, they provided a much-needed breather for Vinesh, whose time away from competitive mat action visibly impacted her endurance.
Nishu effectively utilized half-head locks to keep Vinesh checked for large portions of the match. Yet, showcasing the championship mettle that defined her career, Vinesh found the one opening she needed in the second period. She turned the tables with a powerful four-point throw of her own, catching Nishu in a tight grip and gunning for a pin. From the coach’s corner, Vinesh’s husband, Sombir Rathi, and a passionate contingent of supporters surged against the perimeter netting, demanding a pin call before a final challenge ultimately settled the bout in Vinesh’s favor.
Though she showed incredible grit to escape the quarterfinals, the toll of the day finally caught up to Vinesh in the semifinals. Facing a sharp and composed Meenakshi Goyat, Vinesh fought valiantly but ultimately lacked the stamina to overcome the rising bronze medalist in a tense 4-6 finish.
