Vinesh Phogat’s bid to secure a place in India’s 2026 Asian Games squad ended after she lost 6-4 to Minakshi in the women’s 50kg semifinal at the selection trials.
The contest remained tight throughout, with both wrestlers exchanging points. Minakshi held her nerve in decisive moments and advanced to the final, leaving Vinesh’s campaign cut short.
The defeat marked a major setback for Vinesh, who returned to competition determined to reclaim her spot on the national team. As she walked off the mat, she declared, “Mai phir aaugi (I’ll come back),” drawing applause from spectators and showing her resolve to continue fighting.
Minakshi’s victory keeps her on course for an Asian Games berth, while Vinesh’s exit underscores the fierce competition in India’s wrestling trials. Officials noted that the semifinal highlighted both the intensity of the selection process and the resilience of athletes striving for international representation.
Despite the loss, Vinesh’s comeback spirit resonated strongly, reinforcing her reputation as one of India’s most determined wrestlers.
