India, April 28 -- Vinesh Phogat, who suffered a heartbreaking setback in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has alleged that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is deliberately trying to block her return to the mat. The 31-year-old called time on her professional career after the Games two years back, only to make a U-turn in December last year. Vinesh wanted to make a comeback in the next month's National Open Ranking tournament, but has been unable to do so.

The wrestler has been unable to register for the tournament after the WFI portal closed the registrations. According to an official notification, April 30 is the last date for entries, and the tournament also offers an opportunity for those who missed out on the 2025 National Championsh...