Has United World Wrestling Turned Its Back On Vinesh Phogat? ‘Won’t Interfere’

Last Updated:May 12, 2026, 7:38 PM IST

Vinesh Phogat faces a crucial standoff with WFI as UWW refuses to intervene, leaving her wrestling future tied to a key disciplinary decision.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (PTI)

2018 Asian Games gold medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat might not receive a lot of support from the United World Wrestling over her battle against the Wrestling Federation of India, with the latter’s chief Sanjay Singh saying that the UWW has declared it won’t interfere in the matter.

The latest standoff between Vinesh and the WFI has now gone beyond a routine eligibility dispute, with the problem influencing both her future and the broader power dynamics in Indian wrestling ahead of the Asian Games.

The WFI is viewing the matter not just as a technical eligibility problem related to retirement and return-to-competition rules, but as a disciplinary case, a distinction that could prove crucial in determining what options remain available to Vinesh.

Meanwhile, UWW president Nenad Lalovic has made it clear that it would not interfere in WFI matters.

“Lalovic has told WFI that she (Vinesh) isn’t a UWW athlete but a WFI athlete, so he would not interfere and rather back the national federation to do its job as per the rules,” Sanjay said while speaking to PTI.

Without WFI clearance, Vinesh can’t progress through India’s official selection pathway for global events.

The federation, meanwhile, appears prepared for a prolonged standoff.

When asked whether Vinesh could return after June 2026 in the absence of any international restriction, Sanjay reiterated that the matter would depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process.

“I am telling you, she (Vinesh) should give us her clarification. If that clarification is satisfactory, then his return will be accepted,” Sanjay said.

For now, the message from WFI is unmistakable: the onus is on Vinesh to convince the federation.

But given her stature, public profile and history with the wrestling establishment, this controversy is unlikely to remain confined to committee rooms.

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