WFI bars Vinesh Phogat from Asian Games ’26; Vinesh alleges foul play
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New Delhi: Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has been barred by the Wrestling Federation of India from participating in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, triggering fresh controversy in Indian wrestling. Vinesh accused the federation of deliberately changing rules to block her comeback to the sport.
Under the newly introduced selection criteria, only athletes who won medals in competitions held during 2025 and 2026 can participate in the Asian Games trials. Since Vinesh has not competed professionally after her disqualification at the 2024 Summer Olympics, the rule effectively excludes her from qualification.
Vinesh alleged that multiple obstacles were placed before her return. She said the registration portal for the National Open Ranking Tournament remained closed when she attempted to apply and was reopened only after complaints surfaced. She also claimed she wanted to compete in the Federation Cup but was blocked after eligibility rules were changed at the last minute.
The controversy has intensified because it comes days after Vinesh publicly revealed that she was among the six women wrestlers who filed sexual harassment allegations against former Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In a social media video, she said Supreme Court guidelines had earlier prevented her from revealing her identity as a complainant.
Vinesh further alleged that despite Brij Bhushan’s removal, he still controls the federation through current WFI president Sanjay Singh. She accused the Sports Ministry and the government of remaining silent while wrestlers face institutional pressure.
The wrestler was one of the leading faces of the 2023 protest at Jantar Mantar alongside Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia over allegations of sexual harassment, stalking and abuse against Brij Bhushan. The 2018 Asian Games gold medallist is now attempting a comeback after an 18-month break.