Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has written to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, seeking urgent intervention in the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) decision to block Olympian Vinesh Phogat from competing in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
Hooda described the allegations leveled by Vinesh as “extremely serious” and stressed that the central government and sports bodies have a duty to protect the dignity of an athlete who has brought glory to the nation on multiple occasions.
“Vinesh Phogat has brought honor to the country numerous times. It is the responsibility of the central government and sports bodies to ensure her dignity is not compromised,” Hooda stated in his letter.
He emphasized that if Vinesh wishes to compete in events like the Asian Games or other international tournaments based on merit, she should be allowed to do so without hindrance. However, in Gonda, she was not only barred from participating but also denied access to the training hall.
Hooda pointed out that the WFI’s functioning has frequently come under scrutiny, making it essential for the Sports Minister to personally review the matter and ensure that no athlete is deprived of their rightful entitlements.
“In our country, only a handful of athletes reach the Olympic stage and have the capability to win medals. Vinesh is one such wrestler. At the Paris Olympics, she was close to securing a gold medal, but fate did not favor her in the final moments. Despite winning multiple matches, she was ultimately denied a medal,” Hooda remarked.
He added that if Vinesh aims to make a comeback through hard work and win medals for the nation, sports bodies should extend full cooperation rather than subjecting her to discrimination.
