Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Vinesh Phogat has claimed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was deliberately trying to block her return to the mat after a 20-month hiatus. Vinesh, who walked away from the sport after her Paris Olympics heartbreak, made a retirement U-turn in December last year. The 31-year-old was preparing to return for next month’s National Open Ranking tournament.
However, Vinesh has been unable to register for the competition after the WFI portal said that the registrations are closed. According to a WFI circular, dated April 8, the last day for entry is April 30. The tournament offers wrestlers who were absent from the 2025 National Championships and the 2026 Federation Cup one final opportunity to qualify for the Asian Games selection trials.
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According to the Wrestling Federation’s Asian Games selection policy, only medal winners from the 2025 National Championships and the 2026 Federation Cup are eligible to compete in the senior selection trials. However, those who secure medals at the Open Ranking tournament will earn a place in the national camp, which could also put them in contention for the trials.
Vinesh said that she tried to contact WFI regarding the issue but hasn’t got a response so far.
“I am hoping to make a comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament. The registration for it was open till April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal says it is now closed. I have been trying to contact the administrative staff of the federation, but they haven’t responded to my calls,” Vinesh told The Indian Express.
Vinesh said that she faced similiar sorts of issues at the Federation Cup as well.
“I intended to compete there, too, but the team selection criteria were changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t take part,” she said. “It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since this is an important tournament to remain in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials,” said Vinesh.
HOW DID WFI RESPOND TO VINESH’S CLAIMS
WFI president Sanjay Singh said that many wrestlers faced the same issue as Vinesh in terms of registration for the tournament. However, he refuted the claims made by the star wrestler that the governing body was trying to purposefully to stop her from competing.
“We received similar complaints from other wrestlers, too. They got in touch with our staff, and their issues were resolved. We are not going to stop anybody from competing, and the tournament remains open for everyone,” said Singh.
The Asian Games are set to be held in September, followed by the World Championships in October.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
