WFI 'Cleaning Up The Mess' Vinesh 'Left Behind': Former Chief Brij Bhushan Singh

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 09:04 IST

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has reacted to Vinesh Phogat’s ongoing clash with the WFI as the wrestler’s controversial comeback attempt sparks fresh drama.

The war of words between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India has now drawn in former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Brij Bhushan reacted to Vinesh’s recent claims that she was being prevented from competing in women’s freestyle wrestling events by the federation.

And while distancing himself from the current administration, the former WFI president did not entirely dismiss the federation’s stance either.

“I am currently cleaning up the mess that Madam left behind. Furthermore, the question of where a wrestling match will or will not take place is not a matter that concerns me," Singh said, as quoted in a PTI video.

“This is not my subject anymore. It is for the current WFI to decide where events will be held, who will compete and who will not. However, since I served as the president of the WFI for many years, I can say from my experience that the WFI never stops any athlete from competing because the federation exists for the players."

“If someone has been stopped, there must be a reason for it, and that reason would also have been communicated," he added.

The remarks come amid a rapidly escalating standoff between Vinesh and the WFI over her attempted return to competitive wrestling.

Vinesh’s Comeback Attempt Turns Controversial

Phogat’s career has been clouded by uncertainty ever since her heartbreaking disqualification from the women’s 50kg gold-medal bout at the 2024 Paris Olympics after she was found 100 grams overweight.

The emotional fallout led the Haryana wrestler to announce her retirement before she later entered politics and won the Julana constituency election the same year.

Now 31, Vinesh is attempting a comeback, but the road back has turned messy.

The WFI recently barred her from competing until June 26 and ruled her ineligible for the National Open Ranking Tournament held in Gonda from May 10-12. The federation also issued a detailed 15-page show-cause notice accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping-related violations and bringing Indian wrestling into disrepute following the Paris Olympics controversy.

At the heart of the issue is a federation rule requiring wrestlers to complete a six-month notice period before returning from retirement.

Despite the restriction, Vinesh still arrived at the tournament venue, making it clear she intends to challenge the decision.

Meanwhile, current WFI president Sanjay Singh has indicated that the disciplinary process could now jeopardize her chances of participating in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30.

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