The Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) move to stall Vinesh Phogat’s comeback has once again exposed the murky intersection of sports administration, personal rivalry, and institutional vendetta in Indian wrestling.

Controversy over Vinesh Phogat’s return

The double World Championships bronze medallist, who had taken a sabbatical after the Paris Olympics, now finds herself declared ineligible under a United World Wrestling (UWW) rule requiring retired athletes to inform the world body six months before returning to competition.

Phogat, one of India’s most decorated wrestlers and a leading face of the 2023 wrestlers’ protest, was preparing for a comeback at the Open Ranking tournament at Nandini Nagar Mahavidyalaya. Ironically, the venue is owned by former WFI president Brij Bhushan........

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