WFI President Accuses Vinesh Phogat of Political Maneuvering Amid Wrestling Controversy

In a recent controversy, Sanjay Singh, President of the Wrestling Federation of India, accused Vinesh Phogat of politicizing her wrestling career with support from the Indian National Congress. Following her election as an MLA, Singh claims her focus has shifted from wrestling to politics. The WFI has issued a show-cause notice to Phogat for alleged indiscipline and anti-doping violations, barring her from competitions until June 2026. Amid safety concerns regarding the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Phogat, who has filed sexual harassment complaints against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, questions her ability to compete in such an environment. This situation raises significant concerns about the intersection of sports and politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 02:05 IST

Accusations Against Vinesh Phogat

Gonda (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 10: Sanjay Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has recently claimed that Vinesh Phogat is using wrestling for political gain, alleging that she is supported by the Indian National Congress to advance her political career.

Singh stated that Vinesh's participation in competitions would depend on her meeting the necessary legal eligibility requirements, suggesting that her priorities have shifted towards politics since she became an MLA. He further criticized the Congress party for its historical actions against the nation, asserting that Vinesh would align her efforts with the party's agenda.

In the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, Phogat secured the Julana Assembly seat as a Congress candidate, defeating BJP's Yogesh Kumar.

On Saturday, WFI issued a show-cause notice to the three-time Olympian, citing several instances of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. Consequently, she has been declared ineligible to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament 2026, taking place in Gonda from May 10 to 12.

Until she responds to the notice, Phogat is barred from competing in any sanctioned events until at least June 26, 2026.

Singh emphasized, “If she meets the legal criteria, she will be back on the mat. If not, she won’t. Vinesh’s true intention was to enter politics, a move supported by the Congress, which she successfully achieved. Now, she may act against national interests, as the Congress has historically done.”

This situation arises amidst a public dispute regarding the location of the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, where Phogat has voiced concerns about her safety, given that Gonda is a stronghold of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, against whom she has filed a sexual harassment complaint.

The WFI's notice followed Vinesh's revelation that she is among six female wrestlers who have lodged complaints against Singh for sexual harassment.

Vinesh was looking forward to her return to competitive wrestling at the Gonda event, having previously announced her retirement in 2024.

In a video message, she expressed her apprehensions about competing in such an environment, stating, “Imagine if I go to his house or college, where everyone is connected to him. I doubt I could perform at my best there.”