Vinesh Phogat. (Photo on Twitter) NEW DELHI: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday banned star wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Senior Open Ranking Series tournament in Gonda starting May 10, issuing her a 15-page show cause notice on multiple disciplinary and anti-doping charges, effectively delaying her return to international wrestling after nearly 20 months of retirement in Paris.The federation stated that Vinesh would remain ineligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events until May 26, 2026, citing a violation of United World Wrestling (UWW) rules related to withdrawal and return to competition.
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‘I am a victim too’: Vinesh Phogat identifies himself as complainant in Brij Bhushan sexual harassment caseIn its notice, the WFI accused the wrestler of several violations, including violating the whereabouts requirements of the UWW 2015 Anti-Doping Rules, indiscipline and conduct “prejudicial to the interests of the sport of wrestling and the WFI.”Among the allegations leveled against Vinesh were her non-admission to the Paris Olympics leading to her disqualification, alleged violation of the WFI constitution, anti-doping rule violations arising from errors in whereabouts and participation in two weight categories, 50 kg and 53 kg during the selection trials held on 11 March 2024 at NIS Patiala, allegedly in violation of the UWW competition rules.The federation also referred to a recorded missed drug test on December 18, 2025, announced by the International Testing Agency.“The problems with the Wrestling Federation of India show the cause of Vinesh Phogat. She was shown on several counts, including violating the whereabouts requirements of United World Wrestling and Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015 governing retirement and return to competition, serious acts of indiscipline and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the sport of wrestling and the WFI.”The WFI further stated that “Based on the records available with the Federation, public reports, the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) Ad Hoc Division’s reasoned award dated 14 and 16 August 2024 and the recorded correspondence, the WFI has prima facie reason to believe that you have committed acts and omissions which seriously damage, damage the reputation and reputation of the WFI vis-à-vis the discipline. nation and which constitute a breach of the WFI Constitution, the UWW International Wrestling Rules and the 2021 National Anti-Doping Rules.”The notice asked Vinesh to explain within 14 days from 9 May 2026 why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against her.“Pending submission and consideration of your response, based on your letter/email dated 12th December 2025, your minimum period of six months has not yet expired and as a result, you will not be eligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events until 26th May 2026, including your ineligibility to participate in the Senior Open Ranking Series of Nanda1 for Ranking Series Na2 and any other Gondhini National Tournament 1 on May 2. ranking, selection and international competitions in the wider interest of the sport and the federation,” the announcement added.The development comes as a major setback for Vinesh, who had been eyeing a competitive comeback after announcing her retirement following her dramatic disqualification at the Paris Olympics despite reaching the women’s 50kg final.
