The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has banned Vinesh Phogat from competing in the national open ladder tournament in Gonda from May 10 to 12. The contest was meant to serve as the wrestler’s official comeback after she completed a spin in retirement after hanging up her boots after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The WFI issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh, charging her with indiscipline and an anti-doping rule violation and declaring her ineligible to compete in domestic events until 26 June 2026. The reason was for failing to comply with the mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under the UWW’s anti-doping regulations.
In a 15-page notice sent to Vinesh by the WFI, the governing body alleged that the star wrestler had caused national embarrassment, tarnished the image of Indian wrestling and violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules and anti-doping regulations. The federation also asked Vinesh to explain four broad allegations, including her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics after she missed the weight cut, reported errors in whereabouts related to anti-doping regulations and participation in two separate weight divisions during the March 2024 selection trials overseen by the then ad-hoc committee appointed by the IOA.
The WFI also mentioned in the announcement that she would not be able to compete at the Gonda event, which was hyped as her return to the mat.
“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 upcoming competition,” the notice said.
Vinesh has 14 days to respond to the notice from WFI.
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Published on:
09 May 2026 14:20 IST
