Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat arrived at the National Open Ranking Tournament venue in Gonda despite an ongoing dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India.
The federation had earlier declared her ineligible to compete in the event.
Vinesh reached the venue on Monday and directly confronted WFI officials over the issue.
She insisted that she remains eligible to return to competitive wrestling.
The latest Vinesh Phogat WFI row has intensified tensions between the wrestler and the federation leadership.
The controversy has drawn major attention across Indian wrestling circles.
Wrestler Accuses Officials Of Targeting Her
Speaking to reporters outside the venue, Vinesh alleged that influential people within the federation wanted her to quit wrestling.
She said she would not step away from the sport under pressure.
“What do you expect me to do? Accept defeat?” Vinesh told reporters during the confrontation.
She also described the situation as a “conspiracy” against her career.
Vinesh specifically named WFI president Sanjay Singh and former federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh during her remarks.
The wrestler claimed certain officials wanted her to feel exhausted and leave the sport permanently.
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WFI Maintains Wrestler Is Ineligible
The Wrestling Federation of India has maintained that Vinesh cannot participate in the tournament until disciplinary proceedings against her are completed.
Officials reportedly remained unconvinced by her response to the show-cause notice issued earlier.
According to WFI rules, athletes returning from retirement must complete a mandatory notice period before competing again.
The federation claims Vinesh remains ineligible until June 26, 2026.
Vinesh, however, rejected the federation’s interpretation of the rules.
She said anti-doping authorities had already cleared her to resume competition.
Gonda Venue Adds Political Attention
The tournament is being held in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, an area politically linked to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The venue itself has become part of the wider controversy surrounding the event.
Earlier, Vinesh had raised concerns regarding safety and officiating at the venue.
The federation refused to shift the competition location despite those objections.
The wrestler recently returned from retirement with plans to compete for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
She had earlier retired after her disqualification at the Paris Olympics.
Wrestling Controversy Continues To Escalate
The ongoing dispute reflects wider tensions between several top wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation of India.
The federation has faced repeated criticism over governance and athlete treatment in recent years.
Khap groups in Haryana have also announced support for Vinesh during the latest standoff.
Some organisations warned they could launch protests if the matter escalates further.
The growing Vinesh Phogat WFI row now threatens to become one of the biggest controversies in Indian wrestling this year.
Further developments are expected after the federation reviews her case again.
