Wrestling federation disapproves of Vinesh Phogat’s decision to train privately at SAI

WFI had intended to hold a national camp at SAI Lucknow, for women for the upcoming Asian Games from May 10 to June 25. However, they were displeased to learn that Vinesh Phogat started private training at SAI without informing the WFI.

“This is not done... why was she allowed to train privately at a place earmarked for the camp, that too, when other national campers were not there?” a senior WFI officer said, reported The Times of India.

The 23-year-old is said to have reached the SAI campus on  May 1 without prior permission from the SAI and also failing to inform the federation. The SAI officials were forced to accept her demand of training as she was said to be adamant on beginning practice, accompanied by her personal physio, trainer and masseur. She responded to the disgruntled authorities by stating that she did not find the necessity to obtain the permission of the federation for her training and was ready to pay for her stay in the case of any such disagreements.

“A lot of felicitation programmes were happening after my CWG triumph, so my practice was getting hampered. I thought it prudent to come to Lucknow and train. The Asiad trials will happen here at the end of this month, so I have to prepare,” Vinesh replied.