Vinesh Phogat had to withdraw from the Budapest Ranking Series on the eve of her scheduled event due to fever and food poisoning.
Despite her hopes of making a competitive return, she was forced to pull out, conveying her decision to the organizers and Sports Authority of India.
She was slated to compete in the 55kg weight category and her bout was scheduled for Saturday. The 2022 World Championships was her last appearance in a competitive event where she stood third.
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Phogat, along with fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, had launched massive protests against the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexual harassment.
However, they called off their protests last month after meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur who assured them of a thorough investigation into the sexual harassment cases.
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Delhi Police have filed a detailed chargesheet against the accused and it mentions that Singh is “liable to be prosecuted and punished for offences” of sexual harassment, molestation and stalking under Sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 354 (outraging modesty of a woman); 354 A (sexual harassment); and 354 D (stalking).
Moreover, according to India Today, the chargesheet includes a total of 15 cases of sexual harassment against Singh, and the Delhi Police have examined 108 witnesses during the course of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the wrestlers have left for training in foreign destinations to prepare for the upcoming World Championships in September and the Asian Games in October. The selection trials are set to be held on July 22 and 23, but there remains considerable doubt about their participation.
Vinesh's withdrawal from the Ranking Series leaves Sangeeta Phogat as the sole Indian wrestler competing in Budapest.