Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has distanced himself from the ongoing controversy surrounding Vinesh Phogat's participation in wrestling trials, asserting that the matter falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the current WFI administration. However, Brij Bhushan defended the federation's functioning during his tenure, claiming that the body never stopped any athlete from competing without a valid reason.
Brij Bhushan's remarks on the controversy
Speaking to the media, Brij Bhushan stated, "Look, right now we are dealing with the 'mess' that madam has created. At present, the matter is in court." He further clarified that the wrestling event in Gonda is ongoing, but decisions regarding where competitions will be held and who will participate are not his concern. "That is the matter of the present WFI or the Wrestling Federation of India — they decide where it will happen, where it will not, who will play and who will not," he said.
Drawing on his long tenure as WFI president, Brij Bhushan added, "Since I was the president of the Wrestling Federation of India for many years, I can say from my experience that the WFI never stops any player from competing because the WFI exists for the players." He emphasized that if any athlete was stopped, the reason would have been explained, and the public should read that explanation.
WFI's show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat
In a 15-page show-cause notice, the WFI declared Vinesh Phogat "ineligible" to participate in any sanctioned competitions or events until at least June 26, 2026. The ban specifically excludes her from the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament scheduled to begin on Sunday in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The former World Championships medallist attended the National Open Ranking Tournament and met WFI president Sanjay Singh. The federation claimed she could not participate because disciplinary proceedings against her were still ongoing under WADA's Rule 5.6.1, which applies to retired athletes returning to competition.
Vinesh Phogat's response
After the meeting, Vinesh told reporters that she had never violated any anti-doping rules and had only missed one whereabouts filing. "If I had broken any rule, NADA India would have given me a show-cause notice or banned me. WADA would have done the same," she said. She explained that she missed one of three whereabouts filings because she had just become a mother and had an assembly session, forgetting to update. She apologized to WADA, which cleared her and stated she could participate in any international event.
Vinesh questioned the federation's stand, noting that international authorities had already accepted her eligibility. "And here they say they are not satisfied with anything. If I can compete internationally, then they should accept the International Federation's decision that I can play," she said.
Background and context
The controversy erupted after Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, was barred from participating in the Senior Open Ranking Tournament due to disciplinary proceedings. The WFI cited WADA's Rule 5.6.1, which applies to retired athletes returning to competition. Vinesh, who had taken a break from wrestling, argued that she had complied with all anti-doping requirements and had been cleared by WADA. The situation has sparked debate about the federation's authority and the athlete's rights.
Brij Bhushan's remarks come amid ongoing legal proceedings and public scrutiny. The former WFI president, who led the federation for many years, has been a controversial figure, with allegations of misconduct surfacing in the past. However, he maintains that the WFI under his leadership always prioritized athletes.
Implications for Indian wrestling
The case highlights the complexities of anti-doping rules and the challenges faced by athletes returning from breaks. Vinesh Phogat's exclusion has raised questions about the WFI's interpretation of WADA regulations and its communication with athletes. The federation's decision to ban her until 2026 has been criticized by some as excessive, while others support the need for strict adherence to rules.
As the matter remains in court, the wrestling community awaits further developments. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, impacting athletes' careers and the integrity of the sport.
