New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is “deliberately” trying to block her comeback as she attempts to return to competitive wrestling after nearly 20 months.Vinesh, who stepped away from the sport after suffering a heartbreak at the Paris Olympics 2024, is gearing up for a comeback through next month’s National Open Ranking Tournament, a major selection event for the Asian Games. However, she claimed that she has been unable to register despite the official deadline of April 30. According to him, the registration portal showed the entries as closed, and repeated attempts to contact WFI officials went unanswered.Vinesh told The Indian Express, “I am hoping to return to the National Open Ranking Tournament. Registration for it was open till April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal says it is now closed. I have been trying to contact the federation’s management staff, but they have not responded to my calls.”The tournament, scheduled from May 10 to 12 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, holds further significance as it gives wrestlers a last chance to stay in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials. Vinesh believes that stopping at this stage could adversely affect his chances of returning to the top.“I had planned to compete there too, but the team selection criteria was changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t participate,” she said, referring to the Federation Cup. “It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since it is an important tournament for selection trials for the Asian Games and the World Championships.”Vinesh, who reached the finals in Paris before being disqualified due to underweight, announced her return to wrestling last December. With the Asian Games scheduled for September and the World Championships in October, her focus is now on finding a way back to the mat despite the ongoing setbacks.WFI, however, has denied any wrongdoing. President of the Federation Sanjay Singh He said no attempt was made to prevent any athlete from participating and similar complaints from other wrestlers were addressed when they approached the authorities.“We received similar complaints from other wrestlers. They approached our staff, and their issues were resolved. We will not stop anyone from competing, and the tournament will be open to all,” he added.
