Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat in the midst of her comeback controversy, urging the WFI and the government to let the three-time Olympian take part in trials for the Senior Open Ranking Tournament 2026 in Gonda. Malik said the move is necessary for Phogat to prove herself through the proper selection process.
Vinesh Phogat said she will submit a detailed reply to the Wrestling Federation of India’s show-cause notice, while maintaining that she is eligible to compete. The Olympian also signaled her intention to take part in the Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, setting up a fresh phase in her dispute with the WFI.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh accused Vinesh Phogat of politicising wrestling, saying her actions reflect a shift from sports. He further alleged that Phogat is backed by the Indian National Congress to pursue political ambitions, escalating a public fight between wrestling leadership and the athlete.
The Wrestling Federation of India has served Vinesh Phogat with a show-cause notice citing alleged indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. Pending the outcome, the WFI has declared her ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026. The notice sets the stage for a response that could determine her near-term wrestling future.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has warned India’s government to take responsibility for her safety at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. She fears biased officiating, alleging it may be influenced by former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat, preparing for a comeback, is calling for a genuinely fair environment and accountability if anything goes wrong.
Olympian Vinesh Phogat has made a major disclosure in the sexual harassment case against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying she is among the six complainants who filed a complaint. The wrestler’s revelation adds weight to the allegations and keeps focus on what victims reported and when, as the case continues to draw national attention.
Never miss a story
Set alerts for the topics and sources you care about. Download Beige for free.
Three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat is set to return to competitive wrestling after switching to the 57kg category. She is preparing for the National Open Ranking Tournament 2026 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, from May 10 to 12. The event will be a key step in her comeback and could influence her rankings and future selection chances.
India’s ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat has confirmed her registration for the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, scheduled for May 10 to May 12. Sharing the update on X, she said the process is complete, signaling her intent to compete and build momentum in the ranking event.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.