Thu Mar 13 04:09:42 UTC 2025: ## Wrestler-Turned-Politician Vinesh Phogat Condemns WFI Suspension Reversal

**Chandigarh, March 13, 2025** – Wrestler and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat expressed strong criticism today of the Sports Ministry’s decision to revoke the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The reversal comes months after Phogat, along with fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, led protests accusing former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual abuse. An FIR was filed against Singh, who denies the allegations.

Speaking in the Haryana Assembly and later to reporters, Phogat voiced her dismay, stating that the reinstatement effectively returns control to Singh, whom she described as still pulling the strings despite the current WFI chief being a “dummy.” She highlighted the two-year struggle by wrestlers to protect their sport, only to see it returned to the accused.

While acknowledging the Haryana government’s purported support for sports, Phogat emphasized that the wrestlers’ fight was not politically motivated but driven by their commitment to the sport. She also pressed the state government to uphold its promise to honor her achievements, citing unfulfilled pledges to recognize her contributions despite being disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to weight restrictions.

The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, citing governance lapses. The reversal marks the end of a period of uncertainty for the sport and allows for the resumption of wrestling activities. The controversy, however, continues to resonate within political and sporting circles.

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