Pictures BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: The Wrestling Federation of India has denied Vinesh Phogat permission to compete in the ongoing tournament. In light of this incident, Sakshi Malik has now sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two wrestlers had previously stood together during the protests against Brij Bhushan Singh, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India. Once again, Sakshi Malik has come forward to stand by Vinesh Phogat. Vinesh is currently attempting a comeback to wrestling after a brief retirement; her sights are set on the Asian Games. However, the Wrestling Federation of India has refused to grant her permission to participate in the qualifying tournament for the Asian Games. Consequently, Sakshi has now appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. Sakshi conveyed her sentiments through a video message posted on social media. The Olympic medalist wrestler began by noting that Vinesh is currently a Congress MLA. She clarified that she herself has no desire to enter the realm of politics; however, she is making this appeal specifically because Vinesh is a mother.
Citing examples from various nations, Sakshi urged the authorities to relax the existing regulations. She stated, "I could cite examples of sports bodies in numerous countries where rules have been relaxed for female athletes—athletes who subsequently went on to win medals. Yet, in our country, this is not happening. Just two days prior to Vinesh's scheduled return, a new rule was announced specifically to prevent her from participating in the competition." Sakshi further added, "I appeal to the Prime Minister, the Union Sports Minister, and the Wrestling Federation of India: please grant Vinesh permission to participate in the trials. She has the potential to win a medal for our nation. Vinesh could serve as a powerful example—demonstrating that a woman can indeed win medals even after becoming a mother. Please, do not strip a mother of her right to fight."
The National Open Ranking Tournament is currently underway in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. This tournament represents the final opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Asian Games. Vinesh is attempting to make a comeback to the sport after an 18-month hiatus. To secure a spot in the Asian Games, she was required to compete in this tournament; however, the Federation has barred her from participating until the allegations of indiscipline leveled against her have been thoroughly investigated. The Wrestling Federation of India has stated that, in accordance with anti-doping regulations, wrestlers wishing to come out of retirement to compete in domestic tournaments must observe a mandatory six-month notice period. Under this rule, Vinesh is ineligible to compete before June 26. However, Vinesh contends that this rule does not apply to her case. She argues that she had informed United World Wrestling (UWW) back in June of last year of her intention to return to the sport; consequently, she asserts that she has already completed the requisite formalities for resuming her wrestling career. Vinesh has, in fact, already arrived in Gonda.
According to sources, the Wrestling Federation remains unsatisfied with Vinesh's response. This is because Vinesh addressed only the regulations regarding her return from retirement; the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medalist failed to provide any explanation regarding the allegations leveled against her concerning disciplinary breaches and her refusal to undergo doping tests. Speaking to the news agency PTI, an official remarked, "This response is insufficient, as Vinesh has not provided a comprehensive reply to the show-cause notice. Vinesh will not be permitted to participate in any competitions until all the allegations raised against her have been thoroughly investigated."