Meenakshi Files Complaint After Final Loss at Asian Games Trials

May 30, 2026

New Delhi, May 30: The Asian Games 2026 trials, organized by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), have plunged into controversy. Meenakshi Goyat, who secured her spot in the finals by defeating Vinesh Phogat, has raised an uproar following her loss to Anshu Malik in the women’s 53-kilogram final at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

Immediately after the final match, Meenakshi lodged a complaint regarding the referee’s decisions during her bout against Anshu.

The WFI has acknowledged receiving Meenakshi’s complaint but clarified that the results will remain unchanged. Anshu Malik will represent India in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.

WFI President Sanjay Singh stated, “We have received Meenakshi’s complaint. The committee will review the matter, but as it stands, Anshu will represent India in the 53-kilogram category at the Asian Games.”

The trials for selecting the women’s team for the Asian Games have sparked significant controversy. Initially, the WFI denied Vinesh Phogat permission to participate in the trials. Vinesh, who had ended her retirement after the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, was attempting a comeback. Following favorable rulings from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, she participated in the trials on Saturday, where the WFI allowed her to compete in the 53-kilogram category.

However, Vinesh Phogat missed out on qualifying for the Asian Games 2026, suffering a defeat against Meenakshi Goyat in the semifinals.

After her loss, Vinesh accused the federation of taking steps to prevent her from qualifying. Both Vinesh and her husband, Somveer, protested the referee’s decisions during her quarterfinal match, which she narrowly won 7-6.

Somveer Rathi, Vinesh’s husband and coach, expressed, “We felt cheated. We challenged several decisions, but it seemed the federation did not want Vinesh to win. The court battle and the entire saga with the WFI have been mentally exhausting. Vinesh is very determined—she will return to training and make a strong comeback. Her performance will speak for itself.”