The Indira Gandhi Stadium turned into a virtual fortress on Saturday morning as star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived at the venue to participate in the high-stakes selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. The development follows days of intense legal and administrative drama that concluded with the Supreme Court clearing the three-time Olympian to compete.

Visuals from the stadium showed Phogat strategising with her support staff and undergoing warm-up routines on the mat. Given the prolonged friction between the athlete and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Delhi Police deployed significant personnel outside the arena and around the trial zones to ensure the proceedings went ahead without disruption.

High-Stakes Weigh-in Drama

The morning began with renewed uncertainty during the official weigh-in session. WFI officials initially informed Phogat that she would only be permitted to compete in the 50kg category, pointing out that she had registered in that specific division during her last four international outings, including the Paris Olympics.

Phogat strongly objected to the stance, accusing the federation of discrimination and demanding that her weight be taken for her preferred 53kg category. The situation escalated at the venue until WFI President Sanjay Singh intervened, allowing her to enter the higher weight class. Phogat subsequently weighed in at 53.9kg, officially sealing her spot in the 53kg draw.

Supreme Court Green Light

The road to the wrestling mat was cleared just a day prior. On Friday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe rejected an application filed by the WFI that sought a stay on Phogat's participation.

While the apex court expressed some reservations regarding the sweeping approach taken by the Delhi High Court in reviewing sports policies, it refused to pull the athlete out at the eleventh hour. The bench noted that Phogat had made the country proud globally and that turning her back at this stage would be improper. The court issued a notice to Phogat on the substantive legal points raised by the WFI, scheduling the next hearing for June 1.

The Maternity Leave Debate

The legal tussle began after the WFI declared Phogat ineligible for the trials, citing her absence from domestic qualifiers like the Senior Nationals and the Federation Cup. Phogat had moved the Delhi High Court against the federation's restrictive eligibility norms and a subsequent show-cause notice.

A Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Kariya, had ruled in her favour on May 22. The High Court observed that a female athlete cannot be disadvantaged or excluded from competition on account of taking a maternity break. Phogat had taken a sabbatical in late 2024 and gave birth to her child in July 2025 before resuming training.

Allegations and Oversight Measures

The WFI’s objections extended beyond tournament appearances. The federation argued that Phogat had failed to give a mandatory six-month prior notice regarding her return from retirement, which it claimed violated United World Wrestling (UWW) and anti-doping protocols. The WFI also raised questions about a missed whereabouts doping test in January, though the wrestler's counsel clarified that she was attending a Haryana assembly session as an elected MLA at the time.

To ensure absolute transparency given the hostile backdrop, the selection trials are being heavily monitored. Following specific judicial directives, the entire process is being video-recorded under the direct supervision of independent observers nominated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Intriguing Draw Awaits Mat

With the administrative hurdles temporarily bypassed, focus shifts entirely to the competitive mat. Phogat's inclusion in the 53kg bracket sets up an elite, highly anticipated round of matches. She is slated to face tough competition from established youngsters, including Antim Panghal and the rising Meenakshi Goyat, for the single available spot to represent India at the continental games in Japan later this year.

Speaking briefly to reporters while preparing for her bouts at the stadium, a determined Phogat put to rest any immediate speculation about her future in the sport, stating, "I am here for at least two years."