Vinesh Phogat’s Husband Somvir Rathi Statement: Vinesh Phogat’s husband and coach Somveer Rathi has hit out at the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after she failed to qualify for the Asian Games 2026. Somveer claims that the circumstances during the selection trials were such that he felt that the federation was not in favor of Vinesh’s victory. He has also raised questions on the selection process and some decisions to it.

Meenakshi Goyat defeated

Vinesh’s hopes of making it to the Indian team for the Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya ended on Saturday. During the selection trials held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vinesh had to face defeat by 4-6 at the hands of Meenakshi Goyat in the semi-finals of the women’s 53 kg category.

Reacting to the shock, Somveer Rathi said the family felt cheated by the way the incident unfolded. He claimed that during this entire process the federation’s actions were against Vinesh.

Feeling cheated- Somveer Rathi

Somveer Rathi told ‘IANS’ Said, “We felt cheated. We challenged many decisions, but it seemed that the federation did not want Vinesh to win. The court battle and the whole situation with WFI has been mentally exhausting, but Vinesh is very strong-willed. She will return to training, make a strong comeback and her performance will speak for her.”

Somveer’s comments came shortly after Vinesh herself criticized the federation. Vinesh had alleged that WFI officials celebrated her defeat and claimed that some people within the organization wanted her to ‘die soon’.

WFI officials are happy if I lose – Vinesh Phogat

After failing to qualify for the Asian Games, Phogat told IANS, ‘When I lost, WFI officials were happy. Let them celebrate now. I am extremely stubborn and passionate, and these setbacks only strengthen my resolve. I will make a comeback, and when I make a comeback, I will silence everyone who doubts me with my performance. Right now the federation wants me to die soon; At least that’s what they think.”

There was uncertainty till the last hours regarding Vinesh’s participation in the trial. The WFI had initially restricted Vinesh to the 50 kg category, a decision which Vinesh challenged. After the intervention of the Supreme Court and discussions within the federation, Vinesh was finally allowed to compete in her preferred 53 kg category.

Despite returning to competitive wrestling after a long break, Vinesh made a great start by defeating Jyoti 7-1 and then defeated Nishu 7-6 in the quarterfinals. However, in the semi-finals, Meenakshi Goyat gave a tremendous performance to win 6-4 and dashed Vinesh’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Games to be held later this year.

With IANS inputs