Vinesh Phogat vs WFI: Hooda seeks Sports Minister’s intervention

Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday wrote to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya seeking urgent intervention on Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) decision to block Vinesh Phogat from competing at the National Open Ranking Tournament in UP's Gonda.

Hooda stated that the allegations being leveled by the Olympian athlete are extremely serious.

“Vinesh Phogat has brought honor to the country on numerous occasions. In light of this, it becomes the responsibility of the central government and sports bodies to ensure that her dignity is not compromised in any way,” he said.

He asserted that if Vinesh wishes to participate in sports competitions—such as the Asian Games or other international events, based on merit, she must certainly be allowed to do so. However, in Gonda, she was neither permitted to participate in the competition nor allowed to utilise the training hall.

Hooda further added that WFI’s functioning has frequently come under scrutiny.

“It is therefore imperative that the Union Sports Minister himself takes cognizance of the entire matter and intervenes to ensure that no athlete is deprived of their rightful entitlements,” he said.

"In our country, there are only a handful of athletes who manage to reach the Olympic stage and possess the capability to win medals. Vinesh is one such wrestler. Even during the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat had reached a position where a gold medal seemed within her grasp, but fate did not favor her in the final moments. Despite winning numerous matches, she was ultimately deprived of a medal," he remarked.

Hooda emphasised that if Vinesh wishes to make a comeback through her sheer hard work and aims to win medals for the nation, the sports bodies should extend their full cooperation to her rather than subjecting her to discrimination.