Vinesh Phogat’s return to the mat has been postponed for now. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has barred him from playing in domestic tournaments till June 26, 2026. Now Vinesh will not be able to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament to be held in Gonda from 10 to 12 May. Vinesh was about to return to the mat through this tournament, but before that, WFI has served a 15-page show cause notice against her, making several serious allegations.
The WFI issued a show cause notice to Vinesh on Saturday (May 9) accusing her of indiscipline and violation of anti-doping rules. He was also banned from participating in domestic tournaments till June 26, 2026 due to not giving the mandatory 6 months’ notice for withdrawal from retirement under the Federation’s anti-doping rules. This means that Vinesh, who was a two-time World Championship medalist, will have to wait for her comeback. Vinesh had said goodbye to wrestling after being disqualified from the final of Paris Olympics 2024. She wanted to make a comeback through the championship starting from Sunday in Gonda, which is hanging in the balance.
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What allegations did WFI make against Vinesh?
In a 15-page notice, the WFI alleged that Vinesh’s conduct has tarnished the image of Indian wrestling in Paris and violated the provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling rules and anti-doping rules. Earlier, Vinesh had accused WFI of stopping her from participating in the tournament being held in Gonda. She had also said that she was one of the six players who filed a complaint of sexual harassment against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
WFI said that it is mandatory to follow WADA rules and now the onus is on Vinesh to prove her eligibility. Federation President Sanjay Singh told PTI, ‘We have to see whether the WADA rules have been followed or not. It has not been proven that he has fulfilled the mandatory conditions for returning from retirement. He will have to serve a mandatory six months’ notice before playing again.
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WFI sought clarification from Vinesh
The federation has sought clarification from him on four major charges, including his disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics, alleged failure to disclose his whereabouts under anti-doping rules and participating in two weight categories in the trials conducted in March 2024 by the then ad-hoc committee appointed by the IOA. The Federation has clearly said that she cannot participate in any domestic tournament till June 26 this year, which also includes the National Open Ranking Tournament to be held in Gonda from May 10 to 12.
WFI said that under the rules of the international governing body, every player returning from retirement has to inform UWW at least 6 months in advance and is also required to be available for Tests during this period and Vinesh has not fulfilled this condition.
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