NEW DELHI: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday barred star wrestler Vinesh Phogat from competing in the Senior Open Ranking Series event in Gonda beginning May 10, issuing her a 15-page long show cause notice on multiple disciplinary and anti-doping related charges and effectively delaying her return to international wrestling nearly 20 months after her retirement following the Paris Olympics.The federation said Vinesh would remain ineligible to compete in any WFI competitions and events till May 26, 2026, citing violations linked to retirement and return-to-competition regulations under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.In its notice, the WFI accused the wrestler of several breaches, including violation of whereabouts submission requirements under UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015, acts of indiscipline and conduct “prejudicial to the interest of the sport of wrestling and the WFI.”Among the allegations levelled against Vinesh were her failure to make weight at the Paris Olympics, which led to her disqualification, alleged violations of the WFI constitution, anti-doping rule violations arising from whereabouts failures, and participation in two weight categories, 50kg and 53kg during the selection trials held on March 11, 2024 at NIS Patiala, allegedly in violation of UWW competition rules.The federation also referred to a recorded missed dope test dated December 18, 2025, which was notified by the International Testing Agency.“Wrestling Federation of India issues show cause notice to Vinesh Phogat. She has been show caused on several counts including for breach of whereabouts submission requirements of United World Wrestling and Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015 governing retirement and return to competition, grave acts of indiscipline and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the sport of wrestling and the WFI,” the federation stated.The WFI further said that, “On the basis of records available with the federation, public reports, the reasoned Award of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Ad hoc division dated 14/16 August 2024, and correspondence on record, the WFI has reason to believe, prima facie, that you have committed acts and omissions which are seriously prejudicial to the discipline, image, reputation and interests of WFI, the Indian wrestling fraternity and the nation, and which constitute violations of the WFI constitution, the UWW International wrestling rules and the National Anti-Doping Rules 2021.”The notice asked Vinesh to explain within 14 days from May 9, 2026 why disciplinary action should not be initiated against her.“Pending submission and consideration of your reply, on the basis of your letter/email dated December 12, 2025, your minimum requirement of six months period has not yet expired and as a consequence, you shall not be eligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events till May 26, 2026 including your ineligibility to participate in the Senior Open Ranking Series Tournament at Nandini Nagar, Gonda from May 10-12 and any other forthcoming national ranking, selection and international competitions, in the wider interest of the sport and the federation,” the notice added.The development comes as a major setback for Vinesh, who had been eyeing a competitive comeback after announcing her retirement in the aftermath of her dramatic disqualification at the Paris Olympics despite reaching the women’s 50kg final.
