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Sakshi Malik has backed Vinesh Phogat amid her growing dispute with the WFI, urging authorities to allow the wrestler a fair shot at making a comeback.
Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat (L) and Sakshi Malik (2R) along with others wrestlers take part in a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in New Delhi on January 19, 2023, following allegations of sexual harassment to athletes by members of the WFI (AFP)
Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has publicly thrown her support behind fellow Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat as the latter’s increasingly tense standoff with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) continues to escalate.
In a strongly-worded video posted on social media, Malik urged Indian authorities to allow Phogat to compete again, arguing that current WFI regulations unfairly prevent mothers from returning to the top level of the sport.
Watch: Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik posts on her Facebook, “…For the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion in the media regarding Vinesh Phogat’s trials, and the media has been asking for my views. I was thinking about this for the past two-three days because… pic.twitter.com/9flbj7tlBc— IANS (@ians_india) May 12, 2026
“I have been asked my views and I was contemplating for the last two-three days as Vinesh is an MLA from a political party and I have nothing to do with any political outfit,” Malik said.
“But I can give you plenty of examples of countries relaxing norms for their athletes, so that women can continue to play and win medals for the country even after becoming mothers.”
The Rio Olympic bronze medallist didn’t stop there.
“But our federation has come up with rules to stop Vinesh from making a comeback,” she added. “I would request the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), the Sports Minister (Mansukh Mandavia) and the WFI to take Vinesh’s trial so that she can also win medals for the country and be an example for women by winning medals after becoming a mother.”
Vinesh’s Comeback Attempt Turns Controversial
Phogat’s wrestling future has remained uncertain ever since her heartbreaking disqualification at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she missed the 50kg weight limit by just 100 grams ahead of the gold-medal bout.
The emotional fallout saw the Haryana grappler announce her retirement from wrestling before later entering politics and winning the Julana constituency election the same year.
Now, however, the 31-year-old is attempting a dramatic return to the mat. And that’s where the controversy has exploded.
The WFI recently barred Phogat from competing until June 26, ruling her ineligible for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda from May 10-12. The federation also issued a show-cause notice accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping violations and bringing Indian wrestling into disrepute following the Paris Olympic controversy.
At the heart of the dispute is a WFI regulation requiring wrestlers to serve a six-month notice period before returning from retirement.
Despite the restriction, Phogat still turned up at the tournament venue, making her stance crystal clear.
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