The standoff between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India escalated as she arrived at the National Open Ranking tournament venue, asserting her eligibility to return from retirement despite the federation's claims otherwise.
Vinesh, a 31-year-old two-time World Championships medallist, alleged that those in power within the WFI wanted her to quit the sport, but she insisted she would not allow them to succeed.
She further alleged that she was being targeted for raising her voice against federation officials and questioned whether the environment was safe for her after the language allegedly used against her.
Vinesh cited Clause 5.6.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, arguing that the provision does not apply in her case because she had already informed United World Wrestling in June about her intention to resume competition.
However, the WFI remained unconvinced by her response, with federation sources saying that she had not responded to the broader disciplinary charges mentioned in the detailed show-cause notice issued earlier.
