Desk Correspondent , New Delhi - Vinesh Phogat’s much-anticipated comeback has suffered a major setback, as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) effectively shut the door on her hopes of qualifying for the Asian Games amid an escalating standoff between the two sides.
The development comes at a time when tensions between Vinesh Phogat's and the WFI have reached a boiling point. The decorated wrestler, who was preparing for a return to competitive wrestling after nearly 20 months, had pinned her hopes on the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament 2026, scheduled from May 10 to 12 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The tournament was set to mark Phogat’s first appearance since the heartbreak at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight, narrowly missing out on a medal. Following that setback, she had briefly announced retirement before reversing her decision in December, targeting a comeback ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, the WFI dealt a crushing blow by issuing a circular clarifying that the Gonda ranking tournament would not be considered for Asian Games selection. Instead, only medalists from the 2025 National Championships and the Federation Cup held earlier this year will be eligible for the selection trials scheduled later this month.
This effectively rules Phogat out of contention, as she did not participate in either event due to maternity leave, making her return pathway significantly more challenging. The controversy has been further intensified by Phogat’s allegations against the federation. She had earlier claimed that attempts were made to block her registration for the Gonda tournament, accusing officials of not wanting her to compete at the Asian Games—an allegation strongly denied by the WFI.
Phogat also raised concerns over the venue, pointing out that Gonda is considered a stronghold of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She expressed fears of biased officiating, questioning the transparency of match decisions and control over key aspects of the competition. In a strongly worded video message, she warned that any untoward incident during the tournament would hold authorities accountable, highlighting concerns for her safety and fairness in competition.
With the WFI’s latest decision, Vinesh Phogat’s immediate hopes of returning to the international stage at the Asian Games have taken a severe hit. As the standoff intensifies, the episode underscores deeper issues within Indian wrestling, leaving the future of one of the country’s most celebrated athletes hanging in uncertainty.
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