Wrestler Vinesh Phogat. File | Photo credit: PTI
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday (May 9, 2026) suspended two-time World Championship medalist Vinesh Phogat on various grounds, including her failure to meet the weight limit at the Paris Olympics, anti-doping issues (multiple residency failures) and competing in two weight classes during the Olympic qualification trials.
In addition, the WFI shot down Vinesh’s attempt to return to competitive wrestling – at the Senior Open Ranking tournament that began at the Nandininagar Mahavidyalaya campus on Sunday (May 10) – following her ‘sabbatical’ after Paris. She stated that Vinesh informed United World Wrestling (UWW) of her return less than six months ago, which is the minimum requirement for a retired athlete to return.
It was found that there is a written record of Vinesh’s retirement and her decision to return to the competition.
In the 15-page case, the WFI highlighted the issue of Vinesh’s failure to meet the weight requirements the day after reaching the 50kg final at the Paris Olympics. It stated that Vinesh was “required” to comply with the limit under the UWW rules and her disqualification would result in the loss of a medal, negative publicity and damage to the WFI’s reputation.
The WFI said Vinesh had committed failures of residency (where an athlete in a registered testing pool gives periods of time and makes himself available to provide samples for drug testing), including twice in 2024 and on 18 December 2025, shortly after informing the relevant authorities of his resumption of training with a view to Los Angeles 2028.
The federation said it must ensure that Vinesh has not committed any anti-doping rule violations that would make her ineligible to participate in any event, including the Open Ranking event “which is in any case before your six-month completion from the reinstatement date”.
The WFI also accused Vinesh of violating the UWW rule by competing in two weight trials, 50 kg and 53 kg, in March 2024 (which were conducted by an ad-hoc committee as the WFI was not recognized by the government then).
The federation gave Vinesh 14 days to file an explanation.
Meanwhile, the Open Ranking event here will provide a chance for several talented wrestlers to enter the national camp.
Published – 09 May 2026 14:27 IST
