Big wins,close bouts,angry reactions and that uncomfortable feeling that selection day was not clean for everyone involved .
The Indian women's wrestling team has now taken shape after Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) wrapped up selection trials at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi . And from what came out,it was not some quiet routine trial only . Atmosphere was highly charged and top names like Antim,Nisha Dahiya,Mansi Ahlawat and others had to fight hard for their places .
But main heat came in women's 53kg weight class . Vinesh Phogat,an Olympian,lost close match to Meenakshi Goyat in semifinals,and after that Phogat and her husband Somvir openly showed dissatisfaction with refereeing. They felt outcome was unjust,and honestly,when such big name raises issue,it naturally becomes talk of entire trial.
And then situation got more messy ah. Meenakshi Goyat herself later lost to Antim in finals,and she also filed complaint regarding officiating during that match. So this was not one wrestler being upset after losing. Multiple sides had questions,and that makes whole thing more uncomfortable .
Few things standing out from trials:
- Gold medalists announced — Antim,Nisha Dahiya,and Mansi Ahlawat topped their weight categories .
- Controversial bouts — Vinesh Phogat raised concerns over officiating following her defeat .
- Intensive training ahead — The finalized squad will prepare rigorously for Asian Games .
There were also strong performances from Dipanshi and Priya,who secured gold medals in 50kg and 72kg categories,respectively . In 57kg class,Manisha defeated Neha Sharma,while Mansi Ahlawat clinched gold in 62kg division against Sarita. On performance side,India's women's wrestling depth clearly looked serious.
WFI President Sanjay Singh congratulated athletes and said,"I want to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the wrestlers who have performed brilliantly today and secured their places in the squad . The level of competition at the IG Stadium was exceptional, proving once again that our women's wrestling pipeline is incredibly strong." He also expressed confidence that this group can bring glory to nation at Asian Games.
Now finalized squad will move into rigorous training phase,working on skills and strategies before continental event . And yes,on paper this looks like determined and competitive women's wrestling team for Asian Games 2026.
But still,when selection trials end with complaints over officiating from Vinesh Phogat side and then Meenakshi Goyat side too,it leaves one uneasy question hanging… how much confidence do wrestlers really have in process right now?
