Vinesh Phogat Plays Safe, Packs Own Weighing Scale For Trials: Report

Last Updated:May 29, 2026, 8:44 PM IST

Vinesh Phogat leaves no room for error ahead of the Asian Games trials, with her team planning to carry their own weighing scale and monitor diet amidst ongoing eligibility row.

Vinesh Phogat [AP Photo]

2018 Asian Games gold medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat and her team are ensuring that nothing is left to chance for the trials of the 2026 edition of the tournament, with the team all set to carry their own weighing scale and an individual designated to take care of Vinesh’s food during the trials, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Former footballer Aditi Chauhan and Olympic gold medal-winning former hockey captain MM Somaiya will serve as observers on behalf of the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry during the high-profile women’s wrestling trials in New Delhi on Saturday, May 30, where Vinesh is all set to compete.

As per a report by PTIChauhan will represent the Indian Olympic Association, while Somaiya will serve as the observer on behalf of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India during the trials at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

“We are leaving nothing to chance. Although we hope that everything will be done as per the rules and fairly, we want to take all the precautions from our end too. We will carry our weight machines just in case something fishy comes up during the weigh-in,” a member of Vinesh’s entourage said while speaking to The Indian Express.

“We will take proper care of the food and water she will consume. We are thankful to the Court for ordering the video recording of the bouts. We hope that it will encourage fair judging,” the member added.

Since announcing her comeback in December last year and reversing her decision to retire after the 2024 Summer Olympics, Vinesh has alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India has been ‘creating roadblocks’ and ‘twisting rules and regulations’ in a manner that ‘prevents’ her from competing again.

The Wrestling Federation of India has maintained that Vinesh isn’t eligible to participate in the Asian Games selection trials as she didn’t fulfil the required criteria.

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