Vinesh Phogat loses Asian Games trials semifinal to Meenakshi Goyat; misses out on selection

New Delhi: Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat’s hopes of representing India at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, have been dealt a setback after she was defeated 4–6 in the semifinals of the selection trials by Asian Wrestling Championships silver medallist Meenakshi Goyat.

The result effectively ends Vinesh’s chances of making the squad for the continental event later this year.

Earlier in the competition, Vinesh had shown her experience to overcome a strong challenge from Nishu, winning a closely contested bout to reach the semifinals. She had begun her campaign with a comfortable 7–1 victory over Jyoti before facing a far tougher test against Nishu, who built a 5–0 lead early in the match with a strong four-point throw that nearly resulted in a pin.

Despite the early setback, Vinesh fought back to stay in contention, using her experience to recover during a bout marked by multiple challenges and interruptions due to technical issues with the review system.

In the second period, Vinesh briefly turned the contest around with a powerful four-point throw of her own, putting her opponent under pressure. She then attempted to secure a pin, but a disputed referee decision ruled that a “wrong whistle” had been blown, overturning the call after a challenge.

Following the review, Nishu was repositioned on the mat, but Vinesh was unable to capitalise on the restart.

Against Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinal, however, Vinesh fell short in a tightly fought 4–6 contest, ending her run in the selection trials.

After the defeat, Vinesh expressed her frustration, stating she had been “fighting a whole system” and felt she was not given a fair contest. She added that she had to fight for every point during the competition.

Despite the setback, Vinesh said she remains determined to continue training and make a comeback, although she did not specify her next competition.

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