Revealed: Why Vinesh Phogat will remain ineligible for wrestling events till June 26
(Courtesy :Â Getty Images)
The WFI has accused Vinesh of violation anti-doping rules.
Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has suffered a fresh setback. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared her ineligible to compete in any domestic wrestling event till June 26, 2026.
The WFI’s decision has shocked many fans since Vinesh was preparing to mark her wrestling comeback from retirement at the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.
Notably, Vinesh had stepped away from wrestling after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics.
She had reached the women’s 50kg final at Paris but was ruled out after being found 100 grams overweight before the gold medal match. That incident became one of the biggest controversies in Indian sports history.
The federation has issued a strong 15-page show-cause notice against the two-time World Championships medallist.
In the notice, WFI accused her of indiscipline and violating anti-doping rules. It also questioned her conduct during selection trials and her failure to follow mandatory rules for returning from retirement.
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WFI cracks down on Vinesh Phogat over anti-doping violations and missed tests
According to the WFI notice, Vinesh cannot compete in wrestling competitions since she failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period under United World Wrestling’s (UWW) Anti-Doping Rules.
The federation said any wrestler returning from retirement must officially inform UWW at least six months before competing again and must remain available for doping tests during that period.
The notice claimed that Vinesh informed UWW in December 2024 that she was on a “sabbatical until August 2025.”
Later, on December 12, 2025, she reportedly informed sports authorities that she wanted to return and target the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. WFI argued that this did not satisfy the required six-month waiting rule.
The federation also highlighted a “missed test” recorded on December 18, 2025, after doping control officers could not locate her for testing. Another whereabouts failure notice had reportedly been issued earlier by NADA in September 2024.
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WFI also raised questions about Vinesh competing in both 50kg and 53kg categories during the March 2024 Olympic selection trials. The federation claimed this clearly violated UWW rules.
“The Federation must satisfy itself that you have not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation that would render you ineligible to represent the Federation in any forthcoming competition,” the notice stated.
Vinesh now has 14 days to reply to the allegations in the notice.
Why is Vinesh Phogat suspended till June 26?
According to a Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) notice, Vinesh allegedly failed to follow the six-month return rule under UWW anti-doping regulations.
Can Vinesh Phogat compete in the Gonda ranking tournament?
No. WFI has declared her ineligible to participate in any domestic competitions until June 26, 2026.
When will Vinesh Phogat return to wrestling action?
With the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) marking her ineligible to participate in the domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, Vinesh is likely to return post the completion of this period unless her decision is rescinded.
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Ishika Aggarwal is a passionate sports writer and lifelong cricket fan who thrives on capturing the moments that make the game unforgettable, from last-over thrillers to record-breaking centuries. Through match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes stories, she brings fans closer to the heartbeat of cricket.