Indian wrestler and politician Vinesh Phogat has alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India is attempting to block her return to competitive wrestling as she continues her push to compete at the 2028 Olympics. Speaking after meeting WFI president Sanjay Singh in Gonda on Monday, Vinesh said the strength to continue fighting the system after her Olympic heartbreak now comes from her 10-month-old son.
The wrestler revealed that despite travelling for discussions with the federation, she was unable to secure an entry into the Open National Ranking tournament after the WFI issued her a show-cause notice on Saturday. Vinesh accused the federation of functioning in a “dictatorial” manner and suggested that officials were uncomfortable with the idea of her returning to the mat after the controversies surrounding Indian wrestling over the past few years.
Vinesh, who became one of the leading faces of the protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, said she remains determined to continue wrestling despite the emotional and professional setbacks she has faced. According to her, the disappointment following the Olympics and the prolonged battle with the wrestling establishment could have broken her spirit, but motherhood has given her renewed purpose and motivation.
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She said her young son has become the emotional source of strength helping her endure the ongoing struggle. Vinesh explained that she now wants to fight not just for her own sporting future, but also to prove that she can overcome institutional barriers and continue representing India at the highest level. The wrestler added that she is prepared for a long legal and administrative battle if required to keep her Olympic dream alive.
Apart from her sporting ambitions, Vinesh also spoke about balancing public life and politics after entering electoral politics from Haryana’s Julana constituency. She said she wants the people who elected her to feel proud and believe they chose someone capable of handling responsibility both inside and outside sports.
The interview once again highlights the deep tensions that continue within Indian wrestling even after administrative changes in the federation. Vinesh’s remarks also signal that her conflict with the wrestling establishment is far from over as she attempts to make a comeback ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle while continuing to challenge the functioning of the WFI.
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