Wrestling trials | Vinesh’s comeback dreams end, loses in trials for Asian Games

wry smile, a wave of hand and a declaration — I will be back —loud enough to be heard by the top brass of Indian wrestling marked the end of Vinesh Phogat’s comeback dreams here on Saturday.

But there was no lack of drama at the selection trials for the Asian Games at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The star wrestler —returning to competition almost two years after the Paris Olympics heartbreak — lost 4-6 to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg category semifinals, an ill-tempered bout marred by repeated interference from both her supporters.

Vinesh started tentatively and conceded a point for passivity early on before Meenakshi earned a couple by pushing her out and taking control to race to a 4-1 lead. Vinesh then took her down for two points but Meenakshi effected one of her own to make it 6-3. A successful last-gasp challenge from Vinesh made it 6-4 but the scoreline made no difference to the result.

Meenakshi, however, was unable to repeat her performance in the final, losing 2-3 to Antim Panghal in another ugly bout, refusing to accept the decision or vacate the mat for a long time.

While it was expected to be a tough fight — Meenakshi won silver at the Asian Championships last month — it was the previous bout against the unheralded Nishu that really tested Vinesh, who was brought down in an open throw by the youngster for a four-pointer and almost pinned to the mat, only to be saved by the bell for the end of the first period.

The break helped Vinesh regroup and effect a four-pointer of her own and then a take down to edge ahead 6-5 before losing a challenge and conceding a point to be tied 6-6.

Nishu’s challenge at the final hooter was unsuccessful as Vinesh’s 7-6 victory came with a reality check, having won 7-1 against Jyoti in her opening bout. It was also the most ill-tempered bout of the day, stretching to almost 20 minutes with opposing groups getting into a tussle, Vinesh’s husband Somvir, as coach, repeatedly coming onto the mat and frequent interruptions.

Final Asian Games squad: 50kg: Dipanshee; 53kg: Antim Panghal; 57kg: Manisha; 62kg: Mansi Ahlawat; 68kg: Nisha Dahiya; 76kg: Priya.