New Delhi: 3may 2026
Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has levelled serious allegations against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), claiming that she was deliberately denied the opportunity to return to competitive wrestling by being unable to register for a crucial national tournament.
The controversy revolves around the National Open Ranking Tournament, a key event that plays an important role in determining eligibility for selection pathways leading to the Asian Games and World Championship trials. According to Phogat, she had planned her competitive return through this tournament, but was unable to complete her registration after the online entry portal closed before she could submit her details.
Registration Deadline Sparks Dispute
As reported earlier, the registration deadline for the tournament was set for 30 April 2026. Phogat said she encountered technical difficulties while attempting to register and tried repeatedly to contact federation officials for assistance. However, she alleged that her calls and messages went unanswered.
“I tried reaching the administrative staff several times, but there was no response,” Phogat said, expressing concern over what she described as a pattern of exclusion. She added that the tournament was critical for her to remain in contention for selection to upcoming international events.
Phogat suggested that the lack of response from the federation created the impression that her exclusion was intentional, particularly given the importance of the event for wrestlers aiming to qualify for future national camps and trials.
Why the Tournament Matters
Under the WFI’s existing selection framework, only medal winners from the National Championships and the Federation Cup are directly eligible to compete in senior selection trials for major international events. However, wrestlers who win medals at the Open Ranking Tournament are allowed entry into the national training camp, which is a mandatory step before appearing in selection trials.
This structure makes participation in the Open Ranking Tournament especially significant for wrestlers who are seeking to stay in the race for events such as the Asian Games and World Championships.
WFI Denies Allegations
The WFI has firmly rejected Phogat’s allegations. Federation president Sanjay Singh said there was no deliberate attempt to prevent any athlete from competing and maintained that the registration process was conducted fairly.
According to Singh, several wrestlers faced issues with the online portal, but those who approached the federation in time had their problems resolved. He emphasised that the tournament was open to all eligible athletes and that no individual was singled out.
“We are not stopping anyone from participating. The competition is open for all wrestlers who meet the eligibility criteria,” Singh said, responding to the claims.
Federation Stands by Its Process
The WFI clarified that the entry portal was closed strictly in line with the officially announced schedule and that the 30 April deadline was clearly communicated in advance. The federation also stated that no special concessions were offered or withheld, and that complaints received from other wrestlers were addressed when they were formally raised.
Officials reiterated that adherence to timelines and procedures is essential to ensure fairness and smooth conduct of national competitions.
Implications for International Selection
The dispute comes at a sensitive time, with the Asian Games 2026 scheduled for September, followed by the World Wrestling Championships later in the year. Missing the Open Ranking Tournament could significantly affect Phogat’s chances of progressing through the selection pathway for these events.
For now, the federation maintains that its processes remain transparent and equal for all athletes, while Phogat’s allegations have once again brought attention to ongoing tensions between top wrestlers and the sport’s governing body.
The situation continues to evolve, and its outcome could have a major bearing on one of India’s most high-profile wrestlers as she seeks to return to the international stage.
