Vinesh Phogat Ends 20-Month Hiatus with Return to Competitive Wrestling  

Wrestler set to compete in 57kg category at National Open Ranking Tournament after registration delay blamed on ‘technical issue’

Comeback Trail Begins in Gonda

Vinesh Phogat will step back onto the mat after nearly 20 months, marking her first competitive appearance since the Paris Olympics. The wrestler confirmed her registration for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled in Gonda from May 10 to 12.

She will compete in the 57kg category, a shift from the 50kg weight class where she faced disqualification at the Paris Games last year.

Registration Delay Sparks Fresh Tension

The return, however, did not come without a glitch. On Tuesday morning, Vinesh posted on X saying her registration had been completed only after the link was closed the previous day. She thanked supporters but stopped short of naming anyone, though she had earlier alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was creating hurdles.

“My registration was completed this morning. I could not register yesterday because the link was closed. Thank you to everyone for your support,” she wrote.

WFI Cites Portal Glitch

Responding to the delay, WFI officials said a technical issue had affected multiple wrestlers’ entries, not just Vinesh’s. The federation claimed her registration was actually finalised on Monday night at 10:29 PM, while Vinesh’s social media post came on Tuesday morning.

“The portal faced a temporary glitch. Once the link became active, all pending entries were processed,” a federation source explained. The clarification did little to erase the underlying friction between the wrestler and the governing body, which has persisted since last year’s protests and elections.

Paris Heartbreak Still Fresh

Vinesh had entered the Paris Olympics 2024 as a strong medal contender in 50kg freestyle. She reached the final but was disqualified before the title bout after weighing in 100 grams over the limit. The disqualification, as per Olympic rules, left her without a medal.

Deeply affected, she announced her retirement on August 8. But by December 2024, she withdrew that decision, signalling her desire to compete again.

Eyes on Asian Games and LA 2028

Now 30, Vinesh is targeting the upcoming Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Gonda tournament will serve as her first test of match fitness and mental readiness.

Off the mat, she has also taken on a political role, having been elected as an MLA from the Congress party in the Haryana Assembly elections held in late 2024. Balancing both arenas will be a new challenge.

Ground Realities in Gonda

Local authorities in Gonda expect heightened security and media attention during the May 10-12 event. For wrestling fans in Uttar Pradesh’s hinterland, Vinesh’s presence is a rare opportunity to watch an Olympic-level athlete up close.

“We are preparing for large crowds, especially on the days she competes,” a district sports officer said.

The tournament will also feature other national-level wrestlers, but Vinesh remains the headline act. Her performance here could determine how quickly she regains selection for international events later this year.