Former World Championships medallist Vinesh Phogat was on Saturday allowed to compete in the women's 53kg category at the Asian Games selection trials after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) reversed its earlier decision to restrict her participation to the 50kg division.The development came after hours of uncertainty and a dramatic exchange during the official weigh-in conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi."The weigh-in for all weight categories, including the Women’s 53kg category, was conducted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. All eligible wrestlers, including Ms. Vinesh Phogat, reported for the weigh-in and completed the requisite formalities. Accordingly, all eligible wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements have been cleared to participate in the selection trials, which are scheduled to commence shortly," WFI said in a statement.The weigh-in, held as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials, saw all eligible wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, report and complete the required formalities. Initially, Vinesh was informed that she would only be allowed to compete in the 50kg category. The federation's reasoning was that she had participated in her last four international events, including the Paris Olympics, in the 50kg division.However, the seasoned wrestler strongly objected to the decision, arguing that she was being unfairly denied the opportunity to compete in the category of her choice. Sources present at the venue said the disagreement intensified before WFI president Sanjay Singh stepped in and ultimately allowed Vinesh to enter the 53kg trials.Starting in the 48kg weight category, Vinesh moved up to 51kg and then settled in 53 kg, in which she won two World Championships medals and also at the Tokyo Olympics. However, she participated in both the 53 and 50kg categories in the trials for the Paris Olympic Games before securing qualification in 50kg. She reached the final of the 50kg weight class in the Paris Olympics in 2024, where she failed to make the weigh-in below 50kg by a narrow margin on the morning of the final.Following the intervention, Vinesh weighed in at 53.9kg and was accommodated in the 53kg draw, setting up a fascinating contest with fellow contenders Antim Panghal and the rapidly emerging Meenakshi Goyat.The decision marked a significant shift in the WFI's position. Until Saturday morning, the federation had maintained that Vinesh would only be considered for the 50kg category, citing her recent international participation in that division and the absence of any formal communication regarding a switch in weight class.