‘WFI never stops athletes without reason’: Brij Bhushan on Vinesh Phogat-WFI row

As tensions continue between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India, former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has distanced himself from the ongoing controversy, saying the matter is now entirely under the current administration.

He clarified that decisions regarding trials, participation, and eligibility rest with the present federation setup, not him.

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“Where the wrestling will be held or where they will not be held is not my subject. That is a matter for the Wrestling Federation of India to decide: where the trials will take place, who will participate, and who will not.”

However, Brij Bhushan defended the federation’s functioning during his tenure, insisting that athletes were never arbitrarily barred from competing.

“WFI never stops any athlete from participating because WFI exists for the welfare of the players. If someone has been prevented from participating, there must have been a reason for it, and that reason would also have been communicated.”

Vinesh under ineligibility period

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a 15-page show-cause notice declaring Vinesh “ineligible” to participate in sanctioned competitions until June 26, 2026. The decision bars her from the Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, despite her attending the event and meeting WFI president Sanjay Singh.

Also Read: WFI issues 15-page notice to Vinesh Phogat, bars her from competitions till June 2026

The federation cited ongoing disciplinary proceedings under WADA Rule 5.6.1 related to her return to competition after retirement.

Vinesh hits back on eligibility

Vinesh, however, has strongly defended her position, stating she has never violated anti-doping rules and 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.”

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat breaks silence on WFI notice, says federation ‘misinterpreted’ comeback timeline

She explained the lapse occurred during a personal period of transition.

“I missed one whereabouts. There are three of them. I had just become a mother at that time… I even apologised to WADA. They cleared me and told me I can participate in any international event.”

Vinesh further questioned the federation’s stance, arguing that international clearance should settle the matter.

“If I can compete internationally, then they should accept the International Federation’s decision that I can play.”