Vinesh Phogat has claimed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is deliberately trying to stop her return to the mat after a gap of 20 months. Vinesh walked away from sports after heartbreak in Paris Olympics Took a U-turn from retirement in December last year. The 31-year-old player was preparing to make a comeback for next month’s National Open ranking tournament.

However, Vinesh has been unable to register for the competition after the WFI portal said that registrations have closed. As per WFI’s April 8 circular, the last date for entry is April 30. The tournament provides a final opportunity to qualify for the Asian Games selection trials for wrestlers who were absent from the 2025 National Championships and 2026 Federation Cup.

As per the Asian Games selection policy of the Wrestling Federation, only medal winners of the 2025 National Championships and 2026 Federation Cup are eligible to compete in the senior selection trials. However, those who secure medals in the open ranking tournament will get a place in the national camp, which can also make them contenders for the trials.

Vinesh said that she tried to contact WFI on this issue but has not received any response yet.

“I am hoping to make a comeback in the National Open Ranking Tournament. Registration for it was open till April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal said it is now closed. I have been trying to contact the administrative staff of the federation, but they have not responded to my calls,” Vinesh told The Indian Express.

Vinesh said that she had faced similar problems in the Federation Cup also.

“I also intended to compete there, but the team selection criteria were changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t participate,” she said. Vinesh said, “It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially when it is an important tournament to remain in the competition for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials.”

How did WFI react to Vinesh’s claims?

WFI President Sanjay Singh said many wrestlers faced the same problem as Vinesh in registering for the tournament. However, he refuted claims made by the star wrestler that the governing body was deliberately trying to prevent him from competing.

“We received similar complaints from other wrestlers. They contacted our staff and their issues were resolved. We will not stop anyone from competing and the tournament will be open to all,” Singh said.

The Asian Games are scheduled to be held in September, followed by the World Championships in October.

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