Vinesh Phogat refuses to retire from Wrestling says she will not accept defeat

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday strongly rejected calls to step away from the sport, asserting that she will not “take sanyas” from wrestling despite being declared ineligible by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Speaking to reporters in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, she alleged that officials in the Wrestling Federation of India wanted her to quit the sport, but said she would not “accept defeat” or give in to pressure.

“What do you expect me to do? Should I take sanyas and leave wrestling so their conspiracy succeeds?” she said, accusing WFI leadership of targeting her for speaking out.

Vinesh said she had been declared ineligible to participate in the National Open Ranking tournament amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings, but insisted she still had the right to compete. The WFI, however, has barred her from domestic events until June 2026, citing disciplinary rules and anti-doping-related procedures.

The wrestler also criticised what she called “harsh language” used against her by officials, claiming she felt unsafe despite representing India at the highest level in global competitions.

She said she had represented India at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, and questioned whether she was being labelled unfairly for her statements.

“I am a respected citizen of this country. I have the right to speak. The Constitution gives me that right, not any federation,” she said.

Vinesh further alleged that she was being punished for raising concerns about the functioning of the wrestling body and said she was suffering the consequences for speaking out.

Despite the controversy, she maintained that she would continue to fight for her position in the sport and explore legal options if necessary. “We will see what can be done,” she said when asked about approaching the courts.

She also said that governing bodies have a responsibility to address athletes’ concerns and insecurities rather than create an environment of fear.

The WFI had earlier issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh, citing disciplinary concerns and alleged procedural violations. Federation sources said her response addressed eligibility issues but did not fully respond to broader disciplinary allegations.

The dispute adds another chapter to the ongoing tensions between top wrestlers and the national federation over governance, athlete rights, and selection procedures.