Did WFI lie on Vinesh Phogat registration row? Fans spot big detail on viral slip

Vinesh Phogat's registration for the National Open Ranking tournament triggered a fresh row after a viral screenshot showed a late-night entry on the WFI portal. The timestamp drew scrutiny because it matched the night she complained of delays.

In Short

• Phogat said the portal showed registration closed despite an April 30 deadline
• She said federation staff did not answer her calls during the issue
• Sanjay Singh said her entry was completed and denied blocking wrestlers

India’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat has found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy after a viral screenshot put the Wrestling Federation of India under scrutiny. While the WFI denied any wrongdoing in her registration for the upcoming National Open Ranking tournament, fans pointed to a possible mismatch in the timeline.

The image, widely shared on social media, shows her entry on the WFI portal being filed on April 27 at 10:27 PM, the same night she raised concerns about being unable to register. The timing has led to questions, especially after the federation maintained there was no issue with her entry.

Vinesh later confirmed on April 28 that she has successfully completed her registration for the tournament in Gonda. The WFI, on its part, said that technical issues with the portal had affected multiple wrestlers and were resolved subsequently.

WHAT DID VINESH PHOGAT ACCUSE WFI OF?

Vinesh had earlier said she was unable to register despite the deadline being April 30, as mentioned in the WFI circular.

“I am hoping to make a comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament. The registration for it was open till April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal says it is now closed,” she said.

She also said that her attempts to reach WFI officials did not get a response.

“I have been trying to contact the administrative staff of the federation, but they haven’t responded to my calls,” she added.

The tournament is key for wrestlers looking to stay in contention for Asian Games and World Championship selection.

WHAT DID WFI SAY ON VINESH PHOGAT ALLEGATIONS?

WFI president Sanjay Singh dismissed the allegations and said Vinesh’s registration had already been completed.

“Vinesh Phogat’s registration has already been completed. Why is she creating unnecessary ruckus? We have not stopped any wrestler from participating; they are all most welcome,” he said.

The federation also said the portal had technical issues which affected several wrestlers, not just Vinesh, and those were resolved later.

Vinesh’s successful registration a day later supports that claim to an extent, but the viral timestamp has kept the debate going.

- Ends