Vinesh Phogat's Comeback Welcomed by Wrestling Federation Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Vinesh Phogat Returns to Wrestling

Gonda (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 1: Sanjay Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), expressed his enthusiasm for the return of renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat as she prepares for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

In December 2025, Vinesh made the announcement of her comeback after an 18-month break, aiming to pursue her Olympic aspirations and officially coming out of retirement from professional wrestling.

Previously, Phogat had declared her retirement following a disqualification in the 50 kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics. She had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a score of 5-0 in the semi-finals. However, she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit before her match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the United States.

In a statement, Sanjay remarked, "If Vinesh Phogat is making a comeback and adheres to the Wrestling Federation of India's regulations, we wholeheartedly welcome her back."

Throughout her illustrious career, Phogat has earned two bronze medals at the World Championships (2019 and 2022), a gold medal at the Asian Games (2018), and a bronze (2014), along with three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022). She also secured a gold medal at the 2021 Asian Championships and has achieved silver and bronze at the continental level.

Sanjay further stated that India is aiming for 30 to 32 medals in wrestling at the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will take place in Ahmedabad.

"India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, and we expect to secure at least 30 to 32 medals. We anticipate winning two medals in each weight category," he added.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, held in Delhi, marked India's most successful performance in wrestling, with a total of 19 medals, including 10 gold, four silver, and five bronze.