Vinesh Phogat accuses WFI of creating hurdles in Olympic year, fears doping conspiracy

The Asian Games gold medallist has accused the federation of denying accreditation to her coaches for Asian Olympic qualifying tournament.

Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has launched a scathing attack on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accusing the body of attempting to stop her from competing in the Olympic qualifiers by creating logistical hurdles for her support staff. The explosive allegations have further intensified the bitter feud between Phogat and the WFI.

In a lengthy post on social media, the 29-year-old Phogat, reigning Commonwealth Games champion expressed fears of being trapped in a doping case.

“Brij Bhushan and his deputy Sanjay Singh are trying in every way to stop me from playing in the Olympics. All the coaches who have been appointed with the team are the favourites of Brij Bhushan and his team, so it cannot be denied that they may mix something in my water and make me drink it during my match?” 2018 Asian Games Gold medalist said.

“If I say that there could be a conspiracy to trap me in doping, then it will not be wrong.”

19th अप्रैल को एशियन ओलम्पिक क्वालीफाई टूर्नामेंट शुरू होने जा रहा है। मेरे द्वारा लगातार एक महीने से भारत सरकार (SAI,TOPS) सभी से मेरे कोच और फिजियो की ACCREDITATION (मान्यता) के लिए रिक्वेस्ट की जा रही है। ACCREDITATION के बिना मेरे कोच और फिजियो का मेरे साथ कम्पटीशन ARENA में…

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) April 12, 2024

Phogat alleged that her coach and physio were being denied accreditation for the crucial Asian Olympic qualifying tournament in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, starting April 19. “For the past one month, I have been requesting the Government of India (SAI, TOPS) for the accreditation of my coach and physio. Without accreditation, my coach and physio can’t accompany me to the competition arena,” she said.

“But despite repeated requests, I am not getting any concrete answer from anywhere. No one is ready to help. Will the future of players always be played with like this? No stone is being left unturned to mentally harass us. How far is it justified to torture us like this before such an important competition?” Phogat questioned.

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Phogat, who was one of the three top wrestlers who led a protracted protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing women wrestlers, wondered if the difficulties she is facing now are a result of that protest. “Will we face politics even before we go to play for the country because we raised our voice against sexual harassment? Is this the punishment for raising voice against wrong in our country?” she questioned.

“I hope we will get justice before we go to play for the country.”

The latest allegations have reignited the bitter feud between Phogat and the WFI, with the wrestler’s Olympic dreams hanging in the balance as the crucial qualifying tournament approaches.

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