Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made a strong start to her campaign for the Asian Games selection trials on Saturday, defeating Haryana's Jyoti 7-1 in the 53kg category at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. The bout, which lasted under a minute in key phases, saw Vinesh dominate with sharp offensive moves, including a clean single-leg takedown that left her opponent struggling.

The victory comes just a day after the Supreme Court cleared the way for her participation, dismissing a petition by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that had sought to bar her from the trials.

 Early Morning Drama at the Stadium

The day began on a tense note. Vinesh and her husband Somvir Rathee had a brief altercation with security personnel over entry into the stadium premises. The issue was eventually resolved, allowing them inside. The incident added to the already charged atmosphere surrounding Vinesh's return to the mat amid her ongoing battles with wrestling authorities.

Weigh-in Controversy Resolved

Weigh-in formalities earlier in the morning triggered another flashpoint. Vinesh was initially placed in the 50kg category, a move she firmly opposed. She insisted on competing in her preferred 53kg division. WFI President Sanjay Singh stepped in to resolve the matter, and her weigh-in was conducted in the 53kg category. 

Sources familiar with the proceedings said the last-minute intervention helped avoid further delay. Vinesh later told reporters she had to wait nearly an hour before the issue was settled. “I no longer trust anyone here,” she remarked, adding that she had brought her own dietary supplies to maintain control over her preparation.

 Dominant Show on the Mat

Once on the mat, Vinesh showed little rust. Wearing the blue jersey, she applied immediate pressure on Jyoti Sihag from Hisar. The 7-1 scoreline reflected her control, with a notable chokehold and relentless offensive attacks from the opening seconds. Photographs from the venue captured her warming up with focused leg exercises and strategising closely with her coach and support staff.

Jyoti, who secured an Army job under the sports quota in 2024, boasts an impressive resume that includes a silver at the Asian Championships, a gold at the All India University Championships, and over ten other medals. Despite her credentials, she could not match Vinesh’s experience and intensity in the opening bout.

 Railways’ Antim Panghal Also in Fray

The 53kg category remains competitive. Railways wrestler Antim Panghal is also participating after completing all formalities. WFI officials confirmed that all eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh, were allowed to compete once they fulfilled the required conditions.

 Legal Battle That Paved the Way

Vinesh’s participation became possible only after judicial intervention. On May 28, the WFI approached the Supreme Court to stop her trials. A bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe rejected the plea on May 29, enabling her to step on the mat.

This is not just another trial bout for the seasoned wrestler. Vinesh has been at the centre of significant controversies in Indian wrestling over the past couple of years. Her determination to compete despite multiple hurdles has drawn attention from fans and fellow athletes alike.

 What Lies Ahead

With the first bout secured, Vinesh will now focus on the remaining rounds in the trials. Her performance will be closely watched as selectors prepare the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games. 

The trials carry added significance given the recent turbulence in the sport’s administration. Many in the wrestling fraternity see Vinesh’s presence as symbolic of athletes pushing back against systemic challenges.

Local observers at the stadium noted decent footfall and visible support for the Olympian. As the day progresses, more bouts will determine who eventually earns the coveted Asian Games berth.