Olympic bronze-medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik called on the Indian government Tuesday to intervene in a dispute over Vinesh Phogat’s return to competition [1].
The clash highlights a growing tension between elite athletes and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), specifically regarding the support systems available for women returning to sport after childbirth.
Speaking from Rohtak, Haryana, Malik criticized the WFI for declaring Phogat ineligible and issuing a show-cause notice [2, 3]. Malik said the federation is creating obstacles for Phogat's comeback instead of supporting athletes [1]. This dispute surfaced as Phogat appeared at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda despite the ineligibility notice [2].
Malik argued that the WFI's stance contradicts global trends in athletics. She said WFI is blocking Vinesh while new mothers are being helped worldwide in their comeback [4].
To resolve the impasse, Malik sought the involvement of the highest levels of government. "I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene and allow Vinesh Phogat to make her comeback," Malik said [3].
Malik, who won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the women's 58 kg freestyle wrestling category [4], has a history of challenging the federation. She previously participated in protests that lasted several months against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh [5].
Phogat's attempt to return to the mat follows a period of maternity, a transition that Malik said should be facilitated by the governing body rather than hindered by administrative notices [4, 6].
“WFI is blocking Vinesh while new mothers are being helped worldwide in their comeback.”
The dispute underscores a systemic conflict within Indian wrestling governance and the lack of formalized maternity return-to-play protocols. By calling for intervention from the Prime Minister and Sports Minister, Malik is framing the WFI's eligibility ruling not as a technicality, but as a failure of athlete welfare that deviates from international sporting standards.
