New Delhi, May 30: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) concluded its selection trials at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Saturday, finalizing the roster for the Indian women’s wrestling team ahead of the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
Top wrestlers, including Anshu Malik, Nisha Dahiya, Manisha, Manasi Ahlawat, Deepanshi, and Priya, delivered impressive performances, securing gold medals in their respective weight categories and solidifying their spots on the national team.
The women’s 53-kilogram category was particularly contentious, featuring a controversial match where Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat lost to Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals. Following the match, Vinesh and her husband, Somveer, raised concerns about the referee’s decisions, expressing that they felt “cheated.”
Meenakshi later faced another controversial bout, losing to Anshu in the finals, where she lodged a complaint regarding the referee’s calls.
In the 50-kilogram category, Deepanshi clinched gold, while Priyanshi took home silver. Anshu secured gold in the 53-kilogram division by defeating Meenakshi, and Manisha triumphed over Neha Sharma to win gold in the 57-kilogram category.
Manasi Ahlawat won gold by defeating Sarita in the 62-kilogram category. Nisha Dahiya claimed the title in the 68-kilogram division after overcoming Manasi Lathar, and Priya secured gold in the 72-kilogram category by defeating Kajal.
Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all the wrestlers for their outstanding performances and for securing their places on the team. He stated, “The level of competition was extraordinary, proving once again that our next generation of women wrestlers is incredibly strong. These athletes showcased remarkable courage and technical skill on the mat. I wish them the best of luck in the Asian Games, and we are confident they will bring great pride to the country.”
Leave a Comment