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Meenakshi Advances After Defeating Former Star Wrestler Vinesh
Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat suffered a narrow semifinal loss to Meenakshi Goyat in the women’s 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials, ending her hopes of representing India at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year.
Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat saw her hopes of returning to major international competition suffer a setback on Saturday after she was knocked out of the Asian Games selection trials.
Competing in the women’s 53kg category, Vinesh lost a closely contested semifinal bout to Meenakshi Goyat by a score of 6-4.
The defeat effectively ends Vinesh’s chances of securing a place in India’s wrestling squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan later this year.
Semifinal Result
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Women’s 53kg Semifinal | Meenakshi Goyat beat Vinesh Phogat 6-4 |
Earlier in the day, Vinesh had demonstrated her experience and resilience by overcoming a determined challenge from Nishu in a hard-fought quarterfinal contest.
However, she was unable to progress beyond the semifinals against Meenakshi, who held her nerve in a tense and competitive encounter.
Major Setback for Former Champion
The result marks a significant disappointment for Vinesh, one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers and a multiple-time international medallist. A successful run in the trials was seen as a potential pathway for her return to the continental stage.
For Meenakshi Goyat, the victory represents a major achievement and strengthens her case for selection to the Indian team for the Asian Games.
The trials are being closely watched as India finalises its wrestling contingent for the prestigious continental event in Aichi-Nagoya, where the country will be aiming for a strong medal haul.