Vinesh was ruled ineligible to participate in the National Open Ranking tournament by the WFI until disciplinary actions against her are finalized. Nonetheless, she arrived on Monday, asserting her eligibility to compete in the event.
“What do you want me to do? Should I take sanyaas and withdraw? Accept defeat? So that their scheme against me can prevail? They want me to abandon wrestling, to get exhausted, to capitulate. Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan, and their team, all those in control and power,” Vinesh commented to reporters following her meeting with WFI officials.
The 31-year-old two-time World Championships medallist stated that she is being penalized for speaking out against WFI officials. She also criticized the language directed towards her by the WFI and expressed that she feels unsafe despite her representation at the top level.
“I have represented the country. I have competed in the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and at the world stage. You’re referring to me as Tukde Tukde gang. Have you considered your language? Do you believe I am secure there? Is there a safe atmosphere for me?” she questioned.
“Perhaps he (WFI President Sanjay Singh) is labeling me a terrorist. By his vernacular, I could also be a Khalistani. But I am a respected citizen of this nation. I have the right to fight. I can go anywhere in this country.
“I don’t feel secure. I have the right to express myself. This Constitution grants me that right. Sanjay Singh hasn’t granted me rights. Nor has any federation conferred them upon me. I am aware of my rights as a citizen,” she continued.
The WFI had issued a stern show-cause notice to Vinesh, claiming indiscipline, violation of federation rules, and procedural breaches related to anti-doping.
She stated that she has faced repercussions for speaking out against the WFI officials.
“This (asoning against the current WFI administration) is the sole reason for all these troubles. Why did we raise our voices? Why did we challenge this? The system that allowed their actions to happen behind the scenes should not have been exposed to the public. I am facing consequences for that,” she explained.
“And I am enduring. But, God has endowed me with the strength to endure. I will persevere. The people of this country are observing. I am committed to my training and I possess the strength. I am navigating my path with integrity and truth. He (God) will undoubtedly reward me,” she added.
The WFI declared Vinesh ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026, due to the obligatory six-month notice period associated with athletes returning from retirement according to anti-doping regulations.
In response to whether she would pursue legal action following recent events, Vinesh remarked: “We will see. We will attempt to take actions within our authority.” She emphasized that it is the duty of the WFI leadership to alleviate the insecurities faced by wrestlers.
“I have experienced this insecurity for many years. That is why I harbor these fears. It is your obligation, as the head of WFI, to address these insecurities,” she stated.
Upon her arrival at the nearby Ayodhya airport, Vinesh replied to the WFI’s show-cause notice, asserting that Rule 5.6.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code concerning retired athletes does not pertain to her since she had already informed United World Wrestling (UWW) in June about her intention to return to competition after retirement.
However, WFI officials commented that the federation was not satisfied with her response, believing that she had only addressed the eligibility aspect without adequately responding to the broader disciplinary allegations outlined in the detailed notice issued on Saturday.
