Olympian Vinesh Phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of “deliberately” obstructing her return to competitive wrestling after a 20-month hiatus. Phogat alleged that she was unable to register for the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, because the federation’s portal was prematurely closed.
While Phogat suggests this is a move to keep her out of contention for the 2026 Asian Games, WFI President Sanjay Singh has dismissed the claims, stating that her registration is already complete and that technical glitches affecting other wrestlers were also resolved promptly.
Hurdles on the Mat: Phogat vs. WFI
The 31-year-old wrestler, who made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final before a heartbreaking disqualification in Paris, expressed her frustration over the administrative barriers. “I am hoping to make a comeback… however, when I tried to register, the portal says it is now closed,” Phogat told the media, noting that the official deadline was April 30.
She further alleged that WFI staff remained unresponsive to her calls. In response, WFI Chief Sanjay Singh refuted the allegations of a “deliberate” block, claiming that over 800 wrestlers have registered without issue. Singh went as far as sharing a copy of Phogat’s successful registration with news agencies, urging her to “focus on wrestling” instead of creating what he termed an “unnecessary ruckus.”
A Long Road Back from Paris
Phogat’s journey back to the ring follows a tumultuous period that began with her disqualification from the 50kg gold medal bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight. The incident led to her brief retirement, which she reversed in December last year to eye the 2026 Asian Games and World Championships.
The current friction is rooted in a long-standing trust deficit between top athletes and the federation, following a year of protests and legal battles regarding the body’s leadership. The National Open Ranking Tournament, scheduled for May 10-12, remains a critical gateway for Phogat to enter the national camp and remain eligible for upcoming international selection trials.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the spirit of sportsmanship should extend beyond the mat and into the offices of our sports administrations. Vinesh Phogat’s struggle highlights a recurring theme in Indian sports where athletes often find themselves wrestling with red tape as much as their opponents. While administrative protocols are necessary, transparency and open communication are vital to ensuring that talent is nurtured rather than stifled.
For a nation striving to become a global sporting powerhouse, the focus must remain on creating a harmonious environment where athletes feel supported. We hope for a resolution that prioritises dialogue over discord, allowing our champions to do what they do best: represent India with pride.
Also Read: Hit-and-Run: Two Cousins Killed Returning from IPL Match in Delhi’s Ashoka Road Tragedy
