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Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday strongly criticised the Haryana Wrestling Association’s selection criteria for the Federation Cup 2026, calling it unfair and harmful to the future of young and emerging wrestlers.

In a strongly worded post on X, the Commonwealth and Asian Games medallist questioned the decision to limit trials only to 2025 Senior State medalists and wrestlers who represented India in international competitions in 2025. She said the move unfairly excludes thousands of deserving athletes who have trained for years.

“Allowing trials only for 2025 Senior State medalists and wrestlers who competed internationally in 2025 is a betrayal of thousands of hardworking wrestlers,” Vinesh wrote.

Raising several pointed questions, she asked whether 2024 National medalists had suddenly become ineligible, whether Sub-Junior National medals had lost their relevance, and whether injured wrestlers were being penalised for circumstances beyond their control.

Vinesh also highlighted that several athletes who were unable to compete in the 2025 Senior Nationals due to age restrictions are now fully eligible in 2026, yet continue to be denied trial opportunities.

Warning of serious long-term consequences, she said such policies could derail careers in a crucial year that includes major international events such as the Asian Games and World Championships.

“Playing in these tournaments and winning medals for the country is every athlete’s dream. But these rules are eliminating them right now and effectively putting a permanent stop to their future,” she said, describing the situation as “an open mockery of the lives and struggles of players.”

The former World Championships medallist further expressed concern over the absence of fair and open trials even at the state level, arguing that such an environment makes it nearly impossible for new talent to emerge.

“If fair selection is truly needed, there must be open trials. Talent is proven on the mat, and denying a wrestler the chance to showcase their ability is a serious betrayal,” she added.



Appealing directly to the state leadership, Vinesh urged Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to intervene and ensure justice for wrestlers across the state.