Brij Bhushan distances himself from Vinesh Phogat controversy; says issue is for current WFI administration

Vinesh Phogat told reporters she had never violated anti-doping rules and had only missed one whereabouts filing. She explained that she had just become a mother and was involved in an assembly session when she failed to update, apologised to WADA, which cleared her and said she could participate in any international event. She argued that if she could compete internationally, the federation should accept the International Federation's decision that she can play.

The former World Championships medallist attended the National Open Ranking Tournament and met WFI president Sanjay Singh. The federation claimed she could not participate because disciplinary proceedings against her were still ongoing under WADA’s Rule 5.6.1, which applies to retired athletes returning to competition.

The Wrestling Federation of India issued a 15-page show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, declaring her 'ineligible' to participate in any sanctioned competitions until at least June 26, 2026. The ban excludes the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The federation cited ongoing disciplinary proceedings under WADA Rule 5.6.1.

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh distanced himself from the ongoing Vinesh Phogat controversy, stating that the matter falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the current WFI administration. He defended the federation's functioning during his tenure, claiming WFI never stopped any athlete from competing without a valid reason and described the current 'mess' as being created by Vinesh. He also noted that decisions about where and who competes are for the present WFI and Bharatiya Kushti Sangh to decide, not for him.