New Delhi: Three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat is preparing to make her much-anticipated return to competitive wrestling, this time in the 57kg weight category, as she gears up for the National Open Ranking Tournament 2026 scheduled in Gonda from May 10 to May 12.
The national-level tournament will mark Phogat’s first competitive appearance since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where her campaign ended in heartbreak despite an impressive run to the final. The upcoming event is expected to play a crucial role in determining her eligibility for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Return After Retirement Decision Reversal
Following the disappointment at the Paris Olympics, Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling a day after failing to make weight for the gold-medal bout in the women’s 50kg category. The decision came after what had otherwise been a remarkable performance at the Games.
However, in December last year, the seasoned wrestler reversed her retirement decision, signalling her determination to continue competing at the highest level. Since then, she has been working towards regaining peak fitness and setting her sights on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which remains her long-term goal.
Strong Paris Performance Before Final Setback
At the Paris Olympics, Phogat showcased her elite wrestling skills with a series of notable victories against some of the world’s top athletes.
Her impressive run included defeating:
- Yui Susaki, the reigning Tokyo Olympic champion
- Oksana Livach, 2019 European Championships gold medallist
- Yusneylis Guzman, Pan American Games winner
These victories secured her a place in the final of the women’s 50kg event. However, her Olympic dream ended abruptly when she failed to meet the weight requirement for the gold-medal match, forcing her withdrawal from the contest.
Switch To 57kg Marks Fifth Weight Category Change
Phogat’s move to the 57kg division marks the fifth time in her career that she has shifted weight categories, highlighting her adaptability and resilience in the sport.
She began her wrestling journey in the 48kg weight class, where she secured:
- A bronze medal at the Asian Games 2014
- A silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2015
In preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics, she fluctuated between divisions before ultimately competing in the 48kg category.
Over the years, Phogat transitioned to 55kg and later 53kg, a category in which she enjoyed some of her most significant international successes.
Major Career Achievements In 53kg Category
The 53kg weight class proved to be a turning point in Phogat’s career, delivering several milestone achievements.
Her major accomplishments in this category include:
- Gold medal at the Asian Games 2018
- Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2018
- Two World Championship medals
- Participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
These achievements cemented her status as one of India’s most accomplished women wrestlers.
Upcoming Tournament A Crucial Test
The National Open Ranking Tournament 2026 in Gonda will now mark Phogat’s first competitive outing in the 57kg category, making it a key test of her physical readiness and technical adaptability at the new weight.
With the Asian Games approaching and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics forming part of her long-term ambitions, this tournament is expected to set the tone for the next phase of her career.
Her return is being closely watched by fans and experts alike, as she attempts to rebuild momentum and re-establish herself among the elite wrestlers on the international stage.