New Delhi: “I will be back soon and I will see you then.”The challenging words were delivered with a finger pointed towards the wrestling mat and towards the brass of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president Sanjay Singh. The final chapter in the saga was the return of Vinesh Phogat summed up on an emotionally exhausting Saturday.
Although, there’s more to come, I promise.Moments ago, Vinesh Phogat’s bid to make a comeback in India’s Asian Games squad ended in disappointment. However, as she stepped away from the mat at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, the three-time World Championships and three-time Olympic medalist made it clear that her fight for dignity is far from over.“The whole system was on one side, and me and my team were on the other side.
It’s a one-sided battle. “This is not the first time I have lost, and we only learn by losing, but when the whole system is against you, and yet you have the courage to fight, I see myself as a winner,” she later said.Outside, dark clouds gathered over the capital. Gusty winds swept across the city before heavy rain finally fell in the evening. Inside the Indoor Wrestling Hall, there was hustle, racing, and bustle, however, a storm called Finish had already raged throughout the day.
Competing for the first time since her heartbreaking exclusion from the Paris Olympics two years ago, subsequent retirement announcement and subsequent return to the sport after motherhood, the 31-year-old arrived at the Asian Games selection trials with much more than just competitive ambitions. Vinesh was trying to write the script for one of Indian wrestling’s most notable comebacks, as he sought a place on the team that will compete in the Aichi-Nagoya Games later this year.But the drama for her started long before she stepped onto the carpet.In the morning, Fenech was informed during the official weigh-in that she would only be allowed to compete in the 50kg category, the weight category in which she has competed in her last three international events, including Paris. The decision stunned her camp as she approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to contest trials in the 53 kg category, and a two-judge bench orally ruled in her favour.Fenech strongly objected and accused the federation of discriminating against her and creating new obstacles despite the court’s intervention. After a heated discussion with FII officials and President Singh, the federation retracted its position. Recognizing the call for greater legal scrutiny, officials eventually allowed her to weigh in in the 53kg category. Fenech tipped the scales at 53.9kg – 1kg was allowed in the trials – and was included in the draw, once again in the fight.After clearing the first hurdle, she waited nearly four hours before finally getting onto the mat. When the wrestling started, the tension started too.Vignesh opened her campaign against Jyothi, leading 1-0 before being cautioned for negativity. It seemed like the warning only turned her on. She responded strongly, producing a dominant finish to secure a 7-1 win.The quarter-final match against Asian U23 medalist Nisho proved to be more dramatic and controversial.
Trailing 0-5 after nearly being pinned after a four-point shot, Fenech looked on the verge of elimination. However, I refused to give up. Using every break in the proceedings to regain her breath, she cleverly used a strategy to challenge decisions and take advantage of lengthy video reviews to regroup before launching her comeback.The competition has been repeatedly interrupted due to challenges, reviews, and technical issues with the displays.
Soon, nerves began to flare. After Vignesh executed a four-point shot and attempted a pin, her husband and coach Sumpir Rathi, along with his supporters, demanded the officials award the fall.What followed was a nasty confrontation. Finch’s supporters exchanged heated words with WFI officials and Singh’s supporters. At one stage, a scramble broke out as the two camps argued over the decision before calmer heads intervened and technical officials reviewed the sequence.The officials eventually ruled that the referee had blown a “wrong whistle”, and denied the pin but allowed the match to continue. Fenech took advantage, taking a 6-5 lead after scoring two more points before eventually taking the lead after a failed challenge from a Nesho corner kick.The emotional fallout was immediate. Nesho remained on the mat crying and refused to shake hands with Fenech or the referee after the match.By then, Fenech seemed to have gained vital momentum. Every time she found herself under pressure, she responded with characteristic determination, looking back over the years to highlight flashes of the wrestler who once dominated Indian women’s wrestling.She is now only two wins away from winning the Trials. But Meenakshi Goyat, the Asian Championships silver medalist, was standing in her way.The semi-final match was closely contested. Fenech fought relentlessly, parrying attacks and staying at close range the entire time.
Once again, reviews and challenges peppered the event, while her camp questioned several invitations. However, Meenakshi showed up and took the match 6-4, ending Vignesh’s hopes of earning a place in the Asian Games squad.The defeat sparked new frustration. Fenech and members of her camp alleged that the administration was unfair and accused the union of bias. Even after a late challenge changed the score, the result remained unchanged.Later, Olympian Antem Panghal defeated Meenakshi 3-2 in a tense final to secure India’s 53kg place in the Asian Games. In keeping with the mood and tenor of the day, Meenakshi criticized the result, but the limelight had already been stolen by the one she had previously beaten.For Fenech, the comeback story ended before it reached its destination. However, after a day filled with weight class fights, violent bouts, frequent reviews, supporter clashes, cheating allegations and heightened emotions, she was assured that the last word belonged to her.The score may have been against her, but the promise resonated throughout the stadium long after the final whistle. “I’ll be back soon and I’ll see you then.”India women’s squad for the Asian Games: Dipanshi (50kg), Anthem Panghal (53kg), Manisha Bhanwala (57kg), Mansi Ahlawat (62kg), Nisha is shrewd (68 kg) and Priyal Malik (76 kg).