New Delhi: Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh He distanced himself from the ongoing controversy around him Vinesh Phogatparticipation in the wrestling trials, saying that the matter falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the current WFI management.However, Brijbhushan defended the functioning of the federation during his tenure, saying that the body had never barred a player from competing without a valid reason.
“Look, what this ‘Reita’ has done for me now, Deviji, we’re dealing with it. What time are we in court?” [Look, right now we are dealing with the ‘mess’ that madam has created. At present, the matter is in court]Brij Bhushan said.“And there (Gonda) the boat is going. And where the boat will be, where it will not be, that is not my concern. It is the WFI in Vishayvartam or the Bharatiya Khishti Singh, you are their concern – it will not be said, where it will not happen.” [And the wrestling event in Gonda is going on. Where the wrestling competition will be held, where it will not be held — that is not my subject. That is the matter of the present WFI or the Wrestling Federation of India — they decide where it will happen, where it will not, who will play and who will not]he said.“I have been an adhikesh of Bharatiya Kushti Singh for a long time, so I say on the basis of my Anubhav that WFI never stops any player from playing, because for WFI players. [Since I was the president of the Wrestling Federation of India for many years, I can say from my experience that the WFI never stops any player from competing because the WFI exists for the players]” he added.“If someone was stopped, then his ray would have been told. And you would know that ray too, so let him know.” [If someone has been stopped, then the reason for that must also have been explained. And you must already know that reason, so you should read it]Brij Bhushan said.In its 15-page show-cause notice to Vinesh, the WFI declared the wrestler “disqualified” from participating in any sanctioned competitions or events till at least June 26, 2026. The ban specifically rules him out of the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament which is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.The former World Championship medalist attended the National Open Ranking Tournament and met WFI President Sanjay Singh. The federation claimed it could not participate because it was subject to disciplinary proceedings under WADA Rule 5.6.1, which applies to retired players returning to competition.Vinesh told reporters after the meeting that he had never violated anti-doping rules and had only missed one doping filing.“If I had broken a rule, NADA India would have given me a show-cause notice or banned me. So would WADA,” he said.“I lost one address. Three of them. I became a mother then. I had an assembly meeting. I forgot to update. I even apologized to WADA for that. They cleared me and told me that I can participate in any international event.Vinesh questioned the federation’s stand, saying international authorities have already accepted its qualification.“And here they say they are not satisfied with anything. If I can compete at the international level, they should accept the decision of the International Federation that I can play.”
