Why Vinesh Phogat’s return to wrestling stalled before it began

May 13, 2026 | 16:50 IST

(Image: PTI)

The celebrated wrestler's attempted comeback has run into a fresh WFI roadblock, reviving questions over wrestling’s rules, disciplinary action, anti-doping procedures and the bitter politics that have followed the 2023 wrestlers’ protest

Vinesh Phogat’s return to competitive wrestling was supposed to begin in Gonda this week. Nearly two years after the Paris Olympics heartbreak — and months after embracing motherhood — the former world medallist travelled to the Purvanchal city in Uttar Pradesh for the National Open Ranking Tournament, intending to step back onto the mat and restart her career.

But the comeback never really got off the ground.

TOI

TOI

Why Vinesh Phogat’s return to wrestling stalled before it began

The celebrated wrestler's attempted comeback has run into a fresh WFI roadblock, reviving questions over wrestling’s rules, disciplinary action, anti-doping procedures and the bitter politics that have followed the 2023 wrestlers’ protest

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TOI

Why Vinesh Phogat’s return to wrestling stalled before it began

The celebrated wrestler's attempted comeback has run into a fresh WFI roadblock, reviving questions over wrestling’s rules, disciplinary action, anti-doping procedures and the bitter politics that have followed the 2023 wrestlers’ protest

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