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Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Comeback Welcomed by WFI Ahead of LA28 Games

WFI President Sanjay Singh has conditionally welcomed Vinesh Phogat's decision to return from an 18-month retirement to pursue the LA28 Olympics. Phogat's retirement followed a heartbreaking disqualification for a weight breach in the Paris 2024 gold medal bout. A decorated athlete, her return bolsters India's wrestling prospects as the nation also sets an ambitious target of 30-32 medals for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.

Key Points: Vinesh Phogat Returns, WFI Welcomes Comeback for LA28

  • Olympic Comeback
  • WFI's Conditional Welcome
  • Paris 2024 Disqualification
  • Legacy of Medals
  • 2030 CWG Medal Target
2 min read

WFI president Sanjay welcomes Vinesh Phogat's retirement u-turn ahead of LA28 Olympics

WFI president welcomes Vinesh Phogat's return from retirement to chase Olympic gold at LA28. Get the latest on her career and India's wrestling future.

"If she is returning, and she does so under the rules of the Wrestling Federation of India, then we welcome her. - Sanjay Singh, WFI President"

Gonda, January 1

The Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh welcomed ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat's return to the sport ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

Vinesh announced her return in December 2025, after an 18-month hiatus to chase her Olympic dream, confirming that she has come out of retirement from professional wrestling.

Last year, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling after being disqualified in the 50 kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics. Phogat had advanced to the gold medal bout by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals. She was set to compete against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal, but was disqualified for breaching the weight limit.

Speaking to ANI, Sanjay said, "If she (Vinesh Phogat) is returning, and she does so under the rules of the Wrestling Federation of India, then we welcome her."

In a distinguished career, Phogat secured two World Championship bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014), and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). She was also a gold medalist at the 2021 Asian Championships and has won silver and bronze at the continental level.

WFI president Sanjay also said that India will bring 30-32 medals in wrestling during the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be hosted by India in Ahmedabad.

"India will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. India will get at least 30 to 32 medals. In each weight category, we will get two medals," he added.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, marked India's best-ever performance in wrestling, with 19 medals, including 10 gold, four silver and five bronze.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Welcome back, Vinesh! The Paris disqualification was heartbreaking for the entire nation. It takes immense courage to return after such a public disappointment. Hope the WFI provides her with full support and a clear path to qualification.
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Aman W
While I'm happy she's back, the WFI president's statement "under the rules of the Wrestling Federation of India" sounds a bit conditional. After the past controversies, I hope the federation is genuinely welcoming and not creating unnecessary hurdles for our athletes.
S
Sarah B
Her medal record speaks for itself. Two World Championship bronzes, Asian Games gold... she's a legend. The focus should be on managing her training and peak timing perfectly for 2028. Age might be a factor, but experience is on her side.
K
Karthik V
Good to see some positive wrestling news. The 30-32 medal target for 2030 CWG is ambitious but achievable if we build a strong pipeline now. Hosting in Ahmedabad will be a huge boost. Chak De India!
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Nisha Z
The Phogat family's contribution to Indian wrestling is unmatched. Vinesh coming back shows the fighting spirit is in their blood. Let's rally behind her and not put excessive pressure. One step at a time.

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