Vinesh Phogat vs Wrestling Federation of India row: Everything that happened

Vinesh Phogat’s feud with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) intensified after she was blocked from competing in the May 2026 National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, despite asserting she met all international requirements. Phogat arrived at the event expecting to compete but was informed by WFI officials that she remained ineligible, prompting a confrontation with WFI president Sanjay Singh and a media address rejecting the federation’s stance. The conflict traces back to Phogat’s disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics women’s 50kg final for failing to make weight, followed by an ambiguous retirement announcement. While she later claimed she had not formally retired through official channels, WFI cited a December 2024 communication from United World Wrestling (UWW) confirming her retirement notification to the International Testing Agency (ITA). In December 2025, Phogat formally informed UWW, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and WFI of her intention to return, but WFI flagged a missed whereabouts filing in December 2025, which she attributed to personal responsibilities, including her role as an elected MLA. Phogat argues international authorities have cleared her to compete, citing a January 1, 2026, eligibility approval from UWW and the ITA. She also highlighted two recent doping tests she passed, emphasizing her clean record. ‘If I can participate internationally, then you can also be satisfied with the International Federation that I can play,’ she stated, questioning WFI’s authority to override global governing bodies. The WFI’s stance centers on domestic regulations, including eligibility and anti-doping compliance, despite Phogat’s claims of adherence to international protocols. The dispute has become a broader governance battle in Indian sports, raising questions about how domestic federations reconcile with international clearances. Phogat’s legal and public campaign continues as she seeks to resume domestic competitions, with the WFI maintaining its position pending further review.