Paris Olympics: Did Antim Panghal Factor Really Force Vinesh Phogat To Compete In 50kg - A Fact-Check

As Vinesh Phogat arrived at the Paris Olympic Games, her biggest challenge wasn't to compete against an astounding list of wrestlers but to manage her weight as she was competing in the 50kg category, contrary to the 53kg category she was more comfortable in. Months before the Olympic Games were to start in Paris, Vinesh tried to do her best and fetch the lone 53kg spot, but Antim Panghal, a 2023 World Championship bronze medallist in the weight category, had won slot in this category.

Antim facing a 0-10 elimination in the Round of 16 at the Paris Olympics 2024. As the entire Indi stares at the nature of affairs that unfolded in the Paris Games, many wonder if Vinesh would've fetched a medal by competing in the 53kg category.

What led to Vinesh Phogat competing in the 50kg category, and not 53kg?

Vinesh has been wrestling in the 53kg category for the last five to six  years. She had an ACL surgery in August last year which ruled her out of action for a few months. It was then that Antim sealed the Olympic quota for the 53kg category for India.

As per a report in Sportstar, Vinesh wanted to compete in the still manageable 53kg category but Antim Panghal had already claimed that spot. Vinesh even asked the federation for a trial to be conducted, asking for specific dates, but the federation didn't provide any clarity.

What About The Trials?

The IOA's ad-hoc committee for wrestling conducted trials for the Asian Championships and Asian Olympic Qualifiers in March. 

The rule set was the winner of the trial woukd go on to compete in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and runner-up at the Asian Championships. 

The committee decided that four top players in every weight category, including 53kg category, would then compete among