'Not Vinesh's fault...': WFI chief blames support staff, demands probe
President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Sanjay Singh has attributed the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics to her support staff. On the day of her medal bout, Phogat was disqualified for weighing 100gm over the permissible limit. Singh insists that it wasn't Phogat's fault as she had been performing exceptionally well and believes that her coach and supporting staff should have ensured she didn't face any issues.
WFI President calls for probe
Singh has called for an investigation into the incident and urged the Indian government to take strict action against those responsible. He revealed, "In the morning, I received a call from the village that Vinesh's weight had increased. Not just by 100gm but significantly overweight." Singh immediately contacted officials of United World Wrestling (UWW) who confirmed that Phogat's weight was indeed over the limit.
WFI President suggests reassessment of training protocols
Singh has proposed a reassessment of training protocols. He suggested that the federation should play a more active role and that wrestlers should practice with WFI-approved coaches who meet the UWW standards. He said, "The Wrestling Federation of India will try their best to hire coaches who have cleared level 1 and level two courses of the UWW." Notably, Phogat has been training with her personal coach from Belgium, Woller Akos, and South African mental conditioning coach Wayne Lombard.
WFI and IOA presidents to approach UWW chief
Meanwhile, Singh will hold a meeting with Indian Olympics Association (IOA) President PT Usha, and they plan to approach UWW chief Nenad Lalovic. Singh said, "I spoke to the IOA and the UWW and I even sent letters, asking them to look into the matter and allow her to compete." The WFI President hopes that some resolution can be found for Phogat's disqualification.
