Vinesh Phogat Hits Back at WFI Show-Cause Notice, Says Federation Misread Her Leave Dates
Olympic silver medallist insists she has been cleared to compete since January 1, 2026, and vows to submit evidence-backed reply within 14 days; eyes return to the mat at Gonda Open Ranking Tournament
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday fired back at the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over its show-cause notice, asserting that the federation had fundamentally misunderstood the dates of her break from the sport and her subsequent return, and that she has been fully eligible to compete since January 1, 2026.
Taking to social media, the Olympic silver medallist said she had received WFI’s notice dated May 9, 2026, and would respond to every point in detail within 14 days, backed by documentary evidence.
“WFI Got the Dates Wrong”
Vinesh stated clearly that the June 26, 2026 deadline imposed by WFI — barring her from domestic competition — was incorrect. She said she holds proof from the International Testing Agency (ITA), the anti-doping body established by the international wrestling federation UWW, confirming that she was cleared to return to competition from January 1, 2026.
“WFI has misunderstood the dates of my break from the sport and my return. I have documentary proof from the ITA that I have been eligible to compete since January 1, 2026,” she said.
No Doping Violation, Says Vinesh
Addressing the anti-doping charges head-on, Vinesh denied any wrongdoing, saying she had informed the relevant authorities in advance about missing a doping test. She maintained that the circumstances surrounding her whereabouts in September 2024 and a missed test in December 2025 had been duly communicated to officials and did not constitute a violation of anti-doping rules.
She also refuted allegations that she had broken rules by competing in different weight categories at the NIS Patiala trials in 2024, pointing out that the WFI committee was fully aware of her participation at the time and raised no objection.
Gonda Tournament Return on the Cards
Vinesh announced that she has already registered for the Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled from May 10 to 12, 2026, and intends to use the event to mark her return to the wrestling mat.
“I am eligible to compete in the Gonda tournament. I have completed my registration and I wish to return to the mat through this tournament,” she said.
Background: The WFI Notice
WFI had issued a 15-page show-cause notice to Vinesh on May 9, citing charges of indiscipline and alleged violations of anti-doping regulations. The federation had contended that she failed to give six months’ prior notice before making her comeback from retirement, as required under its rules, and consequently declared her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026.
Vinesh, however, has made clear she is consulting her lawyers and advisors and will mount a comprehensive, evidence-based defence, with her sights firmly set on representing India at the 2026 Asian Games and other international events later this year.
