New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided to bar Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from participating in the National Open Ranking Tournament, scheduled from May 10 to 12. This tournament was anticipated to be Phogat’s official comeback event following her earlier decision to retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The WFI issued a show-cause notice to Phogat, accusing her of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. As a result, the federation declared her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, citing her failure to meet the mandatory six-month notice requirement needed when an athlete returns from retirement according to United World Wrestling (UWW) anti-doping rules.
The WFI’s notice, which spans 15 pages, includes allegations that Phogat has tarnished the reputation of Indian wrestling and caused national embarrassment. The federation has asked for explanations concerning four significant charges: her disqualification from the 2024 Olympics due to failing to make weight, her participation in two different weight categories during the March 2024 selection trials, and multiple lapses in her whereabouts reporting.
“The Federation must satisfy itself that you have not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation that would render you ineligible to represent the Federation in any forthcoming competition,” states the notice.
Phogat, now 31, has been given a timeline of 14 days to respond to the allegations. The outcome of her response remains to be seen, given the seriousness of the charges against her.
