Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has welcomed star wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s decision to come out of retirement, calling it a positive step but reiterating that her return will strictly follow WFI’s rules and procedures. Speaking to media on Friday, Singh noted that while the federation is happy about her comeback, she will need to comply with the established guidelines.
“The entire Wrestling Federation of India welcomes Vinesh Phogat for coming out of her retirement. But her comeback will be as per the rules and regulations of the Wrestling Federation of India,” Singh stated. He also clarified that Vinesh did not apply for the upcoming wrestling league. “The deadline has already expired. Around 300 athletes from across the world have applied for it. She must have something in her mind regarding her comeback,” he added.
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 12, 2025
An 18-Month Break Before Returning to the Mat
Vinesh Phogat announced her return to competitive wrestling after an 18-month hiatus, reigniting her long-cherished dream of competing at the Olympics. The decorated wrestler had announced her retirement last year following a heartbreaking moment at the Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified ahead of the 50 kg freestyle final.
Phogat had defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5–0 in the semi-finals and was set to take on America’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal. However, she was disqualified for breaching the weight limit—an incident that led to intense emotional distress and her temporary exit from the sport.
Vinesh Opens Up: “The Fire Never Left”
In an emotional and deeply reflective post on X, Vinesh shared what led to her return.
“People kept asking if Paris was the end. For a long time, I didn’t have the answer,” she wrote. “I needed to step away from the mat, from the pressure, from the expectations—even from my own ambitions. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to breathe.”
She revealed that time away from wrestling helped her rediscover her passion.
“I took time to understand the weight of my journey… the highs, the heartbreaks, the sacrifices. And somewhere in that reflection, I found the truth — I still love this sport. I still want to compete.”
Phogat said the break made her realise that her competitive fire had never disappeared:
“In that silence, I found something I’d forgotten — the fire never left. It was only buried under exhaustion and noise. The discipline, the routine, the fight… it’s in my system. No matter how far I walked away, a part of me stayed on the mat. So here I am, stepping back toward LA28 with a heart that’s unafraid and a spirit that refuses to bow.”
A Glorious Career with Multiple Accolades
One of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat has enjoyed a remarkable career so far. Her achievements include:
- Two World Championships bronze medals (2019, 2022)
- Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014)
- Three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022)
- Gold at the 2021 Asian Championships
- Multiple silver and bronze medals at continental competitions
Her comeback has generated excitement among fans and the wrestling community, as she sets her sights on LA 2028, hoping to add an Olympic medal to her illustrious career.