Top Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday issued clarification regarding her participation in both the 50kg as well as the 53kg categories during the recent wrestling trials that was held in Sonepat. There were also claims that Vinesh had not undergone doping tests after the nationals in February or even the wrestling trials, but Vinesh said that it was not the case.

“There have been claims circulating that I did not undergo a doping test after the trials. I want to clarify that I, along with all other finalists, have undergone doping tests after both the senior nationals held in the previous month and following the recent trials,” Vinesh said in statement that was shared on ‘X’, formerly Twitter.

🙏 pic.twitter.com/M96K0Tqcfd

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) March 14, 2024

“Regarding my participation in the 53kg category, it is crucial to understand that Article 7 of the UWW regulations, which stipulates that each contestant may compete in only one weight category corresponding to their official weigh-in, applies to international events and not national trials. This was confirmed by the Ad-hoc committee and officials, allowing me to participate in both the 50kg and 53kg categories during the trials,” added Vinesh, who won the 50kg category but lost the 53kg category semi-finals.

“The fluctuating circumstances that can arise surrounding the qualification pathway for the 53 kg category, because of disputes between the Ad-hoc committee and WFI, have created uncertainty and instability in the rules and regulations governing future competitions in India. In light of the ongoing issues and the potential for leadership changes between the Ad-hoc committee and WFI, I felt compelled to secure my path to the Olympic Games by participating in both weight categories, as my Olympic weight category has historically been 53kg. Regrettably, my participation has raised more questions than answers, especially concerning the involvement of WFI officials in the trials despite court orders to the contrary,” Vinesh further stated.

With her 11-6 victory over Shivani in the 50kg category, Vinesh secured a place in the Paris Olympics qualifiers tournament in Kyrgyzstan in April. On the day of the trials, Vinesh had refused to let the trials for both the categories start and demanded a written confirmation stating that a final trial for the 53kg category would be held before the 2024 Paris Olympics. This also led some wrestlers in the 50kg category to complain to the officials, saying that they had been waiting for more than two hours. The authorities later acceded to Vinesh’s demand.