Olympian Vinesh Phogat will not feature in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) introduced fresh eligibility norms that restrict participation to recent medal winners.

Under the revised framework, only wrestlers who secured podium finishes in designated championships during 2025 and 2026 can compete in the trials. As Phogat has not taken part in any official tournament since her disqualification at the Paris Olympics in 2024, she does not meet the new criteria.

The decision comes amid Phogat’s earlier allegations that the federation was obstructing her return to competitive wrestling. She had claimed that when she attempted to register for the National Open Ranking Tournament before the April 30 deadline, the online portal showed registrations as closed.

Following her public remarks, the federation processed her entry on the final day. WFI president Sanjay Singh dismissed claims of bias, maintaining that her registration had been completed in accordance with procedure.

Phogat also stated that she faced hurdles ahead of the Federation Cup, alleging that selection guidelines were altered at short notice, which prevented her participation. She described the developments as attempts to sideline her at a crucial time, especially with Asian Games and World Championship qualification pathways linked to domestic performances.

The WFI’s latest circular confirms that earlier achievements will not be taken into account for the upcoming trials. Eligibility is limited strictly to medal winners from specified competitions:

• Podium finishers at the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship in Ahmedabad (December 12–14, 2025).
• Medal winners at the 2026 Senior Federation Cup in Ghaziabad (February 12–14, 2026).
• Medal winners at the Under-20 National Wrestling Championship in Bhilai (April 10–12, 2026).

The women’s wrestling trials are scheduled for May 30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. Trials for men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman categories will take place on May 31 at the SAI Regional Centre in Lucknow.

With these conditions in place, Phogat’s absence from recent podium finishes has ruled her out of contention for the Asian Games selection process.