Vinesh Phogat-WFI battle continues, wrestlers conduct at national trials under lens

The Wrestling Federation of India has indirectly hinted that Vinesh Phogat's conduct at the national trials will come under the scanner after a chaotic tournament.

In Short

• WFI is reviewing wrestlers' behaviour after ugly scenes disrupted national trials
• Vinesh's quarterfinal against Nishu turned contentious
• WFI acknowledged getting a response for show-cause notice sent to Vinesh

The battle between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India is far from over as the governing body is set to review the conduct of the wrestlers during the national trials recently. Vinesh's time in the competition was marred by controversy, especially during her quarterfinal match.

The controversy erupted when Vinesh, trailing 0-5 against Nishu, was denied the opportunity to complete a pinfall after the referee stopped the action and awarded her 4 points instead. The decision sparked protests from her camp, with her husband, Somvir Rathee, entering the field of play and throwing a water bottle onto the mat. Vinesh challenged the call and won.

Moments later, another disputed decision saw Vinesh awarded 2 points instead of the 4 her camp expected for an arm throw. This time, her challenge was unsuccessful.

The situation escalated when Vinesh and her coaches demanded to see the video footage used in the review, but were not shown the replay. With the review screen reportedly malfunctioning, tensions escalated further, leading to a heated verbal exchange between WFI president Sanjay Singh, his entourage, and Vinesh's support staff, which temporarily halted the trials.

Now, WFI issued a statement revealing that they received a response to the show-cause notice they sent to Vinesh, saying it will be judged according to their rules and procedures.

"WFI has received the Respondent's (Vinesh's) reply to the Show Cause Notice, which shall be adjudicated in accordance with WFI's rules and procedures," WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh said in the statement.

The WFI chief also hinted that they will be looking at the conduct of athletes at the national trials, without directly revealing Vinesh's name.

"WFI further notes that the conduct of certain wrestlers at the Selection Trials is under consideration and a decision in that regard is yet to be taken," read the statement.

NO SHORTCUTS FOR SELECTION

WFI also said that all the future selections for tournaments will be done on merit basis, without looking at the wrestler's stature or previous achievements.

"WFI wishes to make it unequivocally clear that all future selections shall be strictly merit-based, without exception or exemption to any wrestler, regardless of stature or past achievements."

"There shall be no shortcuts to national selection," it said.

Vinesh did get a win over WFI recently as the Supreme Court dismissed the plea from the federation to stay the Olympian's participation at the trials.

- Ends