Vinesh issues first response after WFI blocks her comeback ahead of Asian Games: 'No sword has the power to...'

Senior Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has issued her first reaction after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) barred her from competing in domestic tournaments and sent her a detailed show-cause notice over alleged indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. This comes amid her ongoing tussle with the WFI over past cases.

The WFI has declared Vinesh ineligible to compete until June 26, saying she did not complete the mandatory six-month notice period required under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules for athletes returning from retirement. This means her planned comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda has been blocked.

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The decision is a major setback for the two-time World Championship medallist, who had been preparing for her return after announcing retirement in 2024 following her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics. She had later reversed her retirement in December this year, aiming for a comeback before the Asian Games 2026 and Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

In response to the developments, Vinesh posted a strongly worded message on social media, indicating she would not back down. "Life is caught in some deep whirlpool's midst. The world seeks flaws in my character, persists.. Life has always held your head held high. No sword has the power to make it bow.!!!,” she wrote on X (translated from Hindi).

According to the WFI, Vinesh has been accused of multiple violations, including disciplinary issues and alleged anti-doping rule breaches. The federation also stated that her return did not meet required protocols, including remaining available for testing during the mandatory notice period.

The WFI, in a 15-page notice, alleged that Vinesh's conduct had caused "lasting damage to reputation of Indian wrestling" in Paris and violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules and anti-doping regulations.

Vinesh's tussle with WFI

Allegations have flown thick and fast in the last few days. Vinesh had accused WFI of blocking her entry for the Gonda event and also said that she was one of the six complainants against former WFI chief and ex-BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment.

She had also raised concerns regarding her safety in the National Open Ranking tournament, which is being held at a property linked to Brij Bhushan. However, WFI's current president Sanjay Singh, who is a close aide of the UP politician, had brushed off the concerns.

Meanwhile, WFI has said that compliance with WADA rules was non-negotiable and the onus to prove her eligibility was on Vinesh.

"We have to see if WADA rules have been followed properly. It has not yet been proved that she has fulfilled the requirements for coming back from retirement. She has to complete the mandatory six-month notice period before she becomes eligible to compete again," WFI President Sanjay Singh told PTI.

(With agency inputs)