The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has issued a detailed show-cause notice to star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, accusing her of indiscipline and violations related to anti-doping regulations while also declaring her ineligible to participate in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026.
The development has effectively delayed the two-time World Championship medallist’s anticipated return to competitive wrestling. Vinesh had been preparing to make her comeback at the National Open Ranking event in Gonda, scheduled to begin on Sunday, after stepping away from the sport in 2024 following her controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.
In a 15-page notice, the WFI alleged that Vinesh’s actions during the Paris Olympics caused “lasting damage to the reputation of Indian wrestling”. The federation further claimed that her conduct violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, United World Wrestling (UWW) International Wrestling Rules, and anti-doping regulations.
The notice comes amid an escalating public dispute between the wrestler and the federation over her eligibility to return to the mat.
In recent days, Vinesh had accused the WFI of deliberately blocking her participation in the Gonda ranking tournament. She also highlighted that she was among the six women wrestlers who had filed sexual harassment allegations against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The federation, however, has maintained that the matter is strictly related to compliance with anti-doping protocols and retirement regulations laid down by global authorities.
According to the WFI, athletes returning from retirement are required to complete a mandatory six-month notice period under UWW and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules before becoming eligible to compete again.
WFI president Sanjay Singh said adherence to WADA regulations was non-negotiable and stressed that the responsibility to prove eligibility rested with the athlete.
“We have to see if WADA rules have been followed properly. It has not yet been proved that she has fulfilled the requirements for coming back from retirement. She has to complete the mandatory six-month notice period before she becomes eligible to compete again,” Sanjay Singh told PTI.
The latest controversy adds another chapter to the turbulent relationship between Vinesh Phogat and the wrestling federation over the past few years. One of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, Vinesh has remained at the centre of several major developments in Indian wrestling, both on and off the mat.
Her proposed comeback had generated significant attention among wrestling fans, especially after her emotional exit from the Paris Olympics and subsequent announcement of stepping away from the sport.
With the WFI now formally declaring her ineligible until June 2026, uncertainty remains over when the celebrated wrestler will finally return to competitive action.