Vinesh Phogat-WFI Row Rumbles On as National Trials Come Under Scrutiny

Vinesh Phogat-WFI Standoff Continues as Wrestlers’ Conduct Comes Under Review

The ongoing tussle between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) appears far from resolved, with the governing body now reviewing the conduct of wrestlers and support staff during the recently concluded national selection trials.

The controversy stemmed from Vinesh’s quarterfinal bout against Nishu, a match that witnessed a series of disputed refereeing decisions and heated exchanges that briefly disrupted proceedings.

The first flashpoint came when Vinesh, trailing 0-5, appeared to secure a pinfall. However, the referee halted the action and awarded her four points instead of declaring a fall victory. The decision triggered strong protests from her camp, with her husband, Somvir Rathee, entering the field of play and throwing a water bottle onto the mat in frustration.

Vinesh subsequently challenged the referee’s call and succeeded in overturning the decision.

Moments later, another contentious situation arose when Vinesh was awarded two points for an arm throw, while her corner believed the move deserved four points. This time, the challenge filed by her camp was unsuccessful.

Tensions escalated further when Vinesh and her coaches sought access to the video replay used during the review process. According to reports, the review screen was not functioning properly, and officials were unable to show the footage. The disagreement soon developed into a heated verbal confrontation involving WFI president Sanjay Singh, members of his entourage and Vinesh’s support staff, leading to a temporary halt in the trials.

WFI Reviewing Conduct

In a statement released after the trials, the WFI confirmed that it had received Vinesh’s response to the show-cause notice issued to her and that the matter would be dealt with as per the federation’s rules.

“WFI has received the Respondent’s (Vinesh’s) reply to the Show Cause Notice, which shall be adjudicated in accordance with WFI’s rules and procedures,” WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh said.

The federation also indicated that it is examining the conduct of certain wrestlers during the trials, although it stopped short of naming individuals.

“WFI further notes that the conduct of certain wrestlers at the Selection Trials is under consideration and a decision in that regard is yet to be taken,” the statement read.

‘No Shortcuts’ in Future Selections

The federation also reiterated that future selections for international competitions would be based strictly on merit, irrespective of an athlete’s reputation or past achievements.

“WFI wishes to make it unequivocally clear that all future selections shall be strictly merit-based, without exception or exemption to any wrestler, regardless of stature or past achievements.”

“There shall be no shortcuts to national selection,” the statement added.

Despite the latest friction, Vinesh recently secured a legal victory when the Supreme Court dismissed WFI’s plea seeking a stay on her participation in the national trials, allowing the Olympian to compete.

However, with the federation still reviewing the events that unfolded during the competition, the long-running dispute between Vinesh and the WFI appears set to continue.