WFI President Accuses Vinesh Phogat of Political Manipulation in Wrestling

WFI Chief's Allegations Against Phogat

On Sunday, Sanjay Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accused Vinesh Phogat of using wrestling for political gain, claiming she is supported by the Indian National Congress to advance her political career. He stated that Vinesh's participation in competitions would depend on her legal eligibility, asserting that her priorities have shifted towards politics since she became an MLA.

Singh further criticized the Congress party, alleging that it has historically acted against national interests and suggested that Vinesh would align her actions with the party's agenda.

Phogat's Political Background

In the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, Phogat secured the Julana Assembly seat as a Congress candidate, defeating BJP's Yogesh Kumar. Recently, WFI issued a show-cause notice to the three-time Olympian, citing multiple instances of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. Consequently, she has been declared ineligible to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament 2026, set to take place in Gonda from May 10 to 12. Until her response is received, Phogat is barred from all sanctioned events until at least June 26, 2026.

Concerns Over Tournament Venue

This situation arises amid a public dispute regarding the venue for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Phogat has voiced concerns about her safety, as Gonda is known to be a stronghold of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, against whom she has filed a sexual harassment complaint.

Phogat's Safety Issues

The WFI's notice followed Vinesh's revelation that she is among six female wrestlers who have lodged complaints against Singh for sexual harassment. Phogat was looking forward to her return to competitive wrestling at the Gonda event after announcing her retirement in 2024. In a video message, she expressed doubts about her ability to compete in such a hostile environment.

"If I go to his house or college, where everyone is connected to him, I doubt I can perform at my best there," she remarked.