Even after declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible to compete and issuing her a show-cause notice, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has indicated that the two-time World Championships medalist still has a path forward.
WFI president Sanjay Singh stated that Vinesh must follow the proper procedure.
“This is not the end (of the road for her). Let her reply. A WFI committee will be formed. Whatever the committee decides, it will be informed to her. Even the road may open for her,” Sanjay told The Hindu on Tuesday.
Sanjay also clarified that Vinesh, who was ruled ineligible to participate in the Open Ranking event on Tuesday, will not be allowed to compete in the Asian Games trials scheduled for May 30 in Delhi.
“In no way can she participate in the Asian Games trials. She is not eligible to compete in any WFI event. Later, if she meets the criteria, she can take part in the trials for the World Championships.”
Regarding the timing of her ineligibility and the show-cause notice, the WFI chief explained: “Whenever an athlete approaches the federation to compete, we only check eligibility at that point. As for the show-cause, she retired immediately after the Paris Olympics (following disqualification for exceeding the 50kg weight limit). How could I serve a notice to someone who has retired? What about fighting in two weight categories (at the trials)? Now she puts the responsibility on the ad-hoc committee that conducted the trials. When I asked her about this, she grimaced. She is a senior athlete and should know the rules.”
