Wrestler Vinesh Phogat is in the news again after she was flagged by the Lausanne-based International Testing Agency (ITA) for missing a drug test. The ITA has informed the Indian wrestler that she has missed the out-of-competition test on 18 December 2025, marking her first failure in 12 months.
In a communication dated 4 May 2026, the ITA informed Vinesh that the missed test had been formally recorded following a review of her explanation submitted on 19 January 2026. The communication referred to earlier correspondence sent on 5 January 2026, which flagged the apparently missed test and requested her response.
The notice is not an anti-doping violation, but serves as a warning under the whereabouts clause, which is designed to ensure athletes are available for surprise testing at any time.
Under rules created by United World Wrestling (UWW) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), any combination of three missed tests and/or failed submissions in one year constitutes an anti-doping rule violation and can be suspended for up to two years.
WHY DIDN’T VINESH SELL THE DOPE TEST?
The ITA said the failed attempt occurred on 18 December 2025 when the Doping Control Officer (DCO) could not locate Vinesha during her designated 60-minute test period. Under the Anti-Doping Rules, athletes must designate a daily hourly interval between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. during which they are available for unannounced testing in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP).
Explaining the circumstances, the ITA admitted that Vinesh had attended the first winter session of the Haryana Assembly that day. She traveled from Bengaluru to Chandigarh and disrupted her routine. The agency also noted that she recently welcomed a child, adding to her personal responsibilities. During the attempted testing, Vinesh allegedly cooperated and informed the DCO that she was in Chandigarh for meetings.
However, the ITA ruled that she did not update her whereabouts information on time, despite the schedule change. He pointed out that athletes are required to update their records “as soon as possible” after any change and in any case before the stipulated 60-minute period. The agency added that Vinesh did not use alternative methods such as SMS, email or mobile apps to revise his location on or before December 18.
“In light of the above, ZDP finds that you have been unable to demonstrate that no negligent conduct on your part caused or contributed to your failure,” the notice said, concluding that the missed test would be recorded. The ITA clarified that this was the first recorded failure of Vinesh’s whereabouts in 12 months.
Vinesh was given seven days from the date of the letter — May 4 — to seek an administrative review if she believes the missed test was not due to negligence. If not, the decision becomes final.
The development comes just days after Vinesh accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of trying to block her entry into the National Open Ranking tournament and raised concerns about possible bias in officiating. WFI President Sanjay Singh assured the Olympians of safety and a fair opportunity to compete.
She announced her return to competitive wrestling in December 2025 following her retirement following the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg final for being overweight. She subsequently re-registered in the RTP, a pool reserved for elite athletes subject to strict out-of-competition testing requirements.
VINESH ACCUSES BRIJ BHUSHAN OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat has publicly identified herself as one of six female wrestlers who have accused former Indian Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, marking a significant escalation in the long-running controversy surrounding Indian wrestling.
In a video message shared on May 3, Vinesh said she was forced to reveal her identity despite legal norms protecting the anonymity of victims, citing what she described as attempts to derail her comeback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. She confirmed she is among the complainants in an ongoing criminal case where statements are still being recorded.
Vinesh also expressed dismay over the WFI’s decision to hold scoring tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as Singh’s stronghold. She argued that holding events at a venue associated with the former boss would compromise justice and create an intimidating environment for athletes, especially those who accused him. She further claimed that despite his formal exit, Singh continues to influence the functioning of the federation.
The wrestler, who was trying to make a comeback after a long break after the Paris Olympics, doubted whether she would be able to compete freely under such conditions. She said performing in an environment associated with her alleged harasser would make it difficult to perform at her best.
The allegations against Singh first sparked nationwide protests in 2023, when several top wrestlers staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi demanding action. While one case involving a minor was later dropped, Singh continues to face allegations of sexual harassment and stalking in a case filed by six adult wrestlers, including Vinesh.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
05 May 2026 21:19 IST
