Vinesh Phogat vs WFI Row Escalates Over Comeback Block Claim

New Delhi- Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of “deliberately blocking” her return to competitive wrestling, triggering a fresh controversy between the athlete and the sport’s governing body. However, WFI has firmly denied the allegations, stating that there is “no truth” to such claims and attributing the issue to technical glitches.

The 31-year-old, who had announced her retirement after a disappointing campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024, had decided to make a comeback in December last year. She aimed to participate in the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament, a key event for qualification into major international competitions, including the Asian Games and World Championships.

Phogat claimed that despite the registration window being open until April 30, she was unable to complete her entry as the portal showed it had already closed. She further alleged that repeated attempts to contact federation officials went unanswered, raising concerns about intentional obstruction.

“This feels like a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since this tournament is crucial for staying in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials,” Phogat said, expressing frustration over the situation.

According to the federation’s selection policy, only medal winners from the National Championships and the 2026 Federation Cup are directly eligible for the senior selection trials for the Asian Games. However, strong performances at the Open Ranking Tournament can also secure a spot in the national camp, making it a vital opportunity for returning athletes.

Responding to the allegations, WFI president Sanjay Singh stated that there was no attempt to block Phogat’s participation. He clarified that several other wrestlers faced similar issues with the registration portal, and their concerns were resolved after contacting the federation.

“We are not going to stop anybody from competing. The tournament remains open for everyone,” Singh said, dismissing the claims of bias.

The dispute comes at a crucial time, with the Asian Games 2026 scheduled for September, followed by the World Championships. The outcome of this controversy could significantly impact Phogat’s comeback plans and her chances of representing India on the international stage once again.