NewKerala.com

Sakshi Malik Backs Vinesh Phogat, Urges PM and Sports Minister to Allow Trials

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has publicly supported fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Wrestling Federation of India to allow Vinesh to participate in the Senior Open Ranking Tournament trials. Sakshi criticized the federation for implementing rules that create barriers for women athletes returning to sport after motherhood, contrasting it with supportive policies in other countries. Vinesh Phogat has alleged that despite receiving clearance from the International Testing Agency, she was prevented from completing verification and accessing training facilities. The wrestler, who retired after the Paris Olympics but reversed her decision, aims to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Key Points: Sakshi Malik Supports Vinesh Phogat’s Comeback Bid

  • Sakshi Malik supports Vinesh Phogat's comeback after motherhood
  • She appeals to PM Modi, Sports Minister, and WFI for trials
  • Vinesh alleges WFI blocked her from competing despite ITA clearance
  • Vinesh retired after Paris Olympics but reversed decision for 2028 LA Games
3 min read

"I request PM, Sports Minister, WFI to take trial of Vinesh": Sakshi Malik backs Vinesh Phogat

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik urges PM Modi and Sports Minister to allow Vinesh Phogat to participate in wrestling trials, citing rules for mothers in sports.

"I request the honourable Prime Minister, the honourable Sports Minister, and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take the trial of Vinesh. - Sakshi Malik"

New Delhi, May 12

Indian Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik on Tuesday came out in support of fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat, urging the Wrestling Federation of India and the government to allow the three-time Olympian to participate in trials of the Senior Open Ranking Tournament 2026 in Gonda and continue her comeback bid.

In a video message shared on social media platform X, Sakshi said rules should encourage women athletes to return to competitive sport after motherhood rather than create barriers against them.

"For the past few days, the media has wanted to know my views on Vinesh's trials. I have been thinking for the past 2-3 days because Vinesh is a member of a party, and I have nothing to do with any party," Sakshi said.

"I can give many such examples where the sports federations of other countries make the rules easier for their players so that even after becoming a mother, women can play for the country and win medals. Whereas our federation implements such rules two days before, so that Vinesh cannot make a comeback," she said

The Rio Olympics bronze medallist appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the WFI to permit Vinesh to take part in the trials.

"I request the honourable Prime Minister, the honourable Sports Minister, and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take the trial of Vinesh. So that they can also win medals for the country and make the country proud. This will set such an example that even after becoming a mother, women can play for their country, win medals, and make the country proud," Sakshi said.

The statement comes amid an escalating dispute between Vinesh and the WFI over her eligibility to compete in the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.

On Monday, Vinesh alleged in a post on X that despite receiving written clearance from the International Testing Agency (ITA) to resume competition from January 1, 2026, she was not allowed to complete verification or access the training hall at the tournament venue.

"I don't want any special privileges, I just want to compete on merit," Vinesh wrote.

Earlier, the WFI had issued a show-cause notice to the wrestler, accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping violations, breach of return-to-competition procedures and irregularities during selection trials in March 2024.

The federation also termed her disqualification from the women's 50kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight as a "national embarrassment".

The 31-year-old had announced retirement after the Paris Games setback before reversing her decision in December last year, targeting a return ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Look, I respect Sakshi and Vinesh but isn't there a procedure for a reason? The anti-doping rules exist to protect clean athletes. And that Paris Olympics disqualification was a serious issue - you can't just ignore that. Let the system work fairly for everyone.
A
Ananya R
Sakshi is absolutely right! Other countries make it easier for mothers to return to sports. Why should our athletes have to fight the federation AND their opponents? The PM and Sports Minister should intervene immediately. Vinesh deserves a fair trial! 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
I'm tired of this drama. Vinesh joined a political party, Sakshi is supporting her - pure politics. But the real issue is: does she meet the criteria? The ITA clearance is one thing, but the WFI has its own rules. Let's not make this about motherhood when it's about procedure.
N
Naveen S
Sakshi is a true champion - standing up for another athlete even when they're from different backgrounds. That's the spirit of sportsmanship. India needs more support for women in sports, especially after motherhood. PM Modi should listen to this appeal. 🙏
K
Karthik V
Kaun hai ye Vinesh? Oh wait, the same person who couldn't even make weight at the Olympics! And now she wants special treatment? Sakshi is being nice, but let's be honest - if WFI bends rules for her, what about other wrestlers who followed the process? That's not fair.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50