Vinesh Phogat’s journey back to the mat is proving to be as much of a battle off the mat as on it. Eyeing her first competitive appearance in nearly 20 months, the wrestling icon has hit a digital wall. Despite the All-India Wrestling Federation setting a registration deadline of April 30, Phogat claims the portal has already shut her out.
This isn't just about a login error; it’s about the road to the 2026 Asian Games and the World Championships. For Vinesh, who has been the face of protests against the federation's former leadership, the choice of venue for her intended return, the backyard of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, adds a layer of tension that even a heavy-weight bout couldn't match.
Vinesh Phogat’s comeback to wrestling after her heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics was expected to be a triumphant display of unbreakable spirit. Instead, it has become a moment defined by a spirit that can’t seem to locate the ‘Submit’ button.
It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since this is an important tournament to remain in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials.
Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh claims that her attempts to contact the WFI administrative staff have gone unanswered as she tries to complete her registration before the April 30 deadline. The WFI, however, is citing technical support issues. President Sanjay Singh insists that other wrestlers faced similar problems, which were resolved once they reached out.
The choice of venue for the comeback is notable. Nandininagar Mahavidyalaya in Gonda was established by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI president who is currently on trial for sexual harassment, allegations that Vinesh played a key role in exposing.
For Vinesh, taking part in the event in Gonda represents a symbolic return to a domain controlled by the very powers she had opposed. With the WFI’s selection rules requiring a podium finish here just to be considered for an Asian Games trial, the stakes are at their absolute peak.
20-month gap: Vinesh has not competed since her Paris Olympics disqualification in the 50kg gold medal bout for being overweight.
Selection criteria: Only medallists from this Ranking tournament, the 2025 Nationals, or the 2026 Federation Cup will be eligible for the Asian Games trials.
Federation Cup fallout: Vinesh claims she was pushed out of the Federation Cup due to last-minute criteria changes.
LA vision: Despite the hurdles, Vinesh remains focused on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The WFI maintains that the tournament is open to all, yet for Vinesh Phogat, finding the portal ‘closed’ echoes the tensions of 2023. Whether this is a genuine technical glitch or a deliberate bureaucratic move, the next 48 hours will be decisive. If she does not step onto the mat in Gonda, her 2026 season could effectively end before the opening whistle.
