Vinesh Phogat contests federation ban, arrives for comeback wrestling event

The ongoing dispute between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has evolved into one of the most complex governance conflicts in Indian sport in recent years, centred on eligibility rules, retirement regulations, and anti-doping compliance. Despite insisting, she has met all international requirements to resume wrestling, Vinesh remains barred from domestic competition, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff with the national federation.

The latest flashpoint came in May 2026 when Vinesh arrived at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda expecting to compete, only to be informed by WFI that she was ineligible.

Despite being informed she was ineligible to compete, Vinesh met WFI president Sanjay Singh at the venue and later addressed the media, strongly rejecting the federation’s stance.