Vinesh Phogat Accuses WFI Of Blocking Comeback; Sanjay Singh Urges Focus On Wrestling

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India of blocking her comeback after a 20‑month break. She says she could not register for the National Open Ranking tournament in Gonda, from May 10 to 12. WFI President Sanjay Singh denies any wrongdoing.

Vinesh told The Indian Express the WFI portal showed entries closed when she tried to register, even though the deadline was April 30. She said calls to WFI staff went unanswered and called it a "deliberate attempt" to stop her. She linked it to earlier selection issues.

According to the report, Vinesh claimed she faced similar problems at the recent Federation Cup. She said last‑minute changes in selection criteria had already hurt her chances. The Gonda event is a key step for Asian Games and World Championship selection trials.

Sanjay Singh has rejected her accusations. Speaking to IANS, he said Vinesh’s registration is “already completed” and questioned why she is “creating unnecessary ruckus.” He added that WFI has “not stopped any wrestler” and said all are welcome to compete.

Singh told IANS that about 800 wrestlers have registered for the National Open Ranking tournament. He said no other wrestler has reported registration issues. He urged Vinesh to “focus on wrestling” instead of speaking to the media about such matters.

Earlier, Singh told The Indian Express that some wrestlers had minor portal glitches. He said those who contacted WFI staff got quick help. This contradicts Vinesh’s account, where she said her calls to the administration were not answered at all.

The tournament is crucial for Vinesh, who was disqualified on the morning of her Paris Olympics gold medal bout for missing weight. She then stepped away from wrestling. In December, she announced plans to return and target the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Gonda meet is also important for those who missed earlier championships. It acts as a route to the national camp and later selection trials. Gonda is the base of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whom Vinesh accused during 2023 protests over sexual harassment.

With WFI now publicly confirming her registration, Vinesh appears set for a long‑awaited return to the mat. Yet the public dispute highlights ongoing tension between leading Indian wrestlers and the wrestling body, even as key qualification events draw closer.