In a major development for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the WFI (Wrestling Federation of India) has decided to bar her from competing in her comeback tournament, the National Open Ranking Tournament. The event is slated to be held from May 10 to 12.ย
It is worth noting that the tournament was supposed to be Vinesh Phogatโs official comeback after she reversed her decision to retire following the Paris Olympics 2024.ย
Interestingly, the WFI has handed Phogat a show-cause notice and has accused her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. The board also declared her ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026, as she had not fulfilled the mandatory six-month notice requirement that is required by every athlete who is making their comeback from retirement under UWW anti-doping regulations.
What is the notice about?
As per the notice accessed by IndiaTV, the WFI has laid down four key charges for the show-cause notice and also told the wrestlerย to reply within 14 days. “Show Cause Notice for breach of the Whereabouts Submission Requirements of United World Wrestling and Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015 governing retirement and return to competition; grave acts of indiscipline and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the sport of wrestling and the Wrestling Federation of India including (i) failure to make weight at the Games of the XXXIll Olympiad, Paris 2024 resulting in disqualification and national embarrassment;
“(ii) violations of the WFI Constitution; (iii) anti-doping rule violation arising from whereabouts failure(s), including the Recorded Missed Test of 18 December 2025 notified by the International Testing Agency vide letter dated 04 May 2026 in accordance with Article 4.8.8.3 of the WADA International Standard for Testing and Investigations and Article B.2.4 of the WADA International Standard for Results Management, coupled and (iv) participation in two weight categories (50 kg and 53 kg) at the Selection Trials held on 11 March 2024 at NIS Patiala, in violation of UWW Competition Rules; calling upon you to show cause why disciplinary action should not be initiated against you,” the notice read.
“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,” it added.
The 31-year-old has been given 14 days to issue a reply to the said notice. With serious charges against her name, it could be interesting to see how Phogat replies if she provides one.
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