Vinesh Phogat Accuses WFI Of 'Deliberately' Ruining Her Wrestling Comeback - Report

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 13:36 IST

Vinesh Phogat alleges WFI blocked her return by closing tournament registrations early, while the federation denies wrongdoing amid a growing selection dispute.

Vinesh Phogat’s long-awaited return to competition has hit another hurdle, with the wrestler accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of blocking her entry into next month’s National Open Ranking Tournament.

Phogat, who has been away from the mat for nearly 20 months, said she has been unable to complete her registration despite the official deadline, set via an April 8 WFI notification, being April 30.

According to her, the registration portal shows entries as closed.

“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.

The 31-year-old also suggested this wasn’t an isolated issue. She pointed to a similar experience ahead of the Federation Cup, where changes to selection criteria prevented her participation.

“I intended to compete there, too, but the team selection criteria were changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t take part. 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," she added.

The National Open Ranking Tournament carries added significance this year. It offers a pathway for wrestlers who missed the National Championships and the Federation Cup to stay in the selection mix.

Under current WFI rules, only medal winners from those events qualify directly for senior India trials. But medalists from this upcoming tournament can still enter the national camp and remain eligible for selection.

WFI president Sanjay Singh has denied Phogat’s allegations, stating that the registration issue was not unique to her and affected multiple athletes.

With selection cycles tightening ahead of major international events, the situation leaves Phogat’s comeback uncertain.

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