Vinesh Phogat Announces Return to Wrestling Ahead of LA 2028

In a significant development within the Indian wrestling community, Vinesh Phogat has confirmed her decision to return to competitive wrestling. This announcement coincides with the commencement of the Senior National Wrestling Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad.

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, made her announcement via social media, reflecting on her journey and the challenges she has faced. “People kept asking if Paris was the end. For a long time, I didn't have the answer. 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 wrote.

The wrestler from Haryana faced a challenging period following her disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she missed the chance to compete for a gold medal in the 50kg weight category by a mere 50 grams. After appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal, she was ultimately disappointed when her appeal was rejected. Following this, Vinesh announced her retirement and ventured into politics, securing a position as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Congress party in Haryana's Julana constituency.

Vinesh Phogat's achievements in wrestling are notable. She is the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at the World Championships, securing bronze in 2019 and 2022. Additionally, she has earned a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games and has three consecutive golds from the Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Despite her successful career, an Olympic medal has remained elusive for her.

In her comeback message, she expressed a rekindled passion for the sport, stating, “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.” Vinesh also shared her personal motivation, revealing that her son would be joining her in this new chapter as her “biggest motivation” and “little cheerleader” as she aims for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), an initiative aimed at supporting Indian athletes, is backing Vinesh in her comeback. A spokesperson from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) confirmed that Vinesh has communicated her return to the federation, the Sports Authority of India, and the Ministry of Sports. “The WFI welcomes her back to the fold,” they stated.

Vinesh Phogat's relationship with the Wrestling Federation of India has been tumultuous in recent years, particularly after she, along with fellow Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, led a protest against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment. This history of conflict adds an intriguing layer to her return, suggesting that her path may not be without its challenges.

As Vinesh embarks on this new phase of her career, the wrestling community and fans alike will be watching closely, anticipating her journey as she trains for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her determination and spirit, as expressed in her comeback announcement, signal that she is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.