WFI rejects Vinesh Phogat’s entries for three international meets

NEW DELHI:: In another snub to Vinesh Phogat, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declined her request to enter her name for three upcoming international tournaments, including the Hungary ranking series in Budapest.The federation cited her suspension period and an unsatisfactory reply to its show-cause notice as reasons for the rejection.Vinesh had sought entries in the Grand Prix of Spain and Polyak Imre, Varga Janos and Kozma Istvan Memorial ranking series in Budapest, scheduled next month, and the Poland Open in Warsaw in Aug last as part of her comeback plans after failing to qualify for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.WFI sources said the federation is not sending teams to the Spain and Poland events while entries for the Hungary meet had already been finalised before Vinesh completed her ineligibility period on June 26 – the last date to send entries for Hungary meet was June 15.The federation also maintained that her suspension remains in force pending disciplinary proceedings and court hearing.Sources further pointed out that Vinesh is not part of the national camp, has not competed in domestic events and does not hold a national ranking. Only Asiad Games-bound wrestlers and No. 2 and 3 wrestlers in each men and women weight categories were considered for the Hungary event, where India has already filled its quota in the 53kg – the division in which Vinesh usually competes.