Wrestling
WFI bars Vinesh Phogat from comeback tournament; issues show-cause notice
The Wrestling Federation of India has ruled Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events until June 2026.
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 on account of being 100g overweight on the day of the final. (Photo Credit: Getty)
Vinesh Phogat’s attempt to return to competitive wrestling has hit another major setback after the Wrestling Federation of India declared her ineligible to compete at the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.
The May 10-12 event was expected to mark Vinesh’s first appearance since stepping away from the sport following the Paris Olympics 2024.
However, the federation has now suspended her eligibility for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026. This decision has been taken as per the United World Wrestling's (UWW) Anti-Doping Rules 2015, any wrestler who wishes to return from retirement need to inform the UWW at least six months before and be available for dope tests during this period.
The decision came through a detailed show-cause notice issued by the WFI, which accused the former world championships medallist of violating disciplinary and anti-doping regulations. The federation stated that Vinesh did not fulfil the mandatory notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling rules.
Fresh controversy in ongoing WFI-Vinesh dispute
The federation also referred to alleged whereabouts failures connected to anti-doping procedures, alongside concerns related to her disqualification at the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight.
Additionally, the WFI questioned Vinesh’s participation in two different weight categories during the 2024 selection trials conducted under the IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee.
The notice claimed the federation needed to ensure there were no pending anti-doping rule violations before permitting her to compete again. Vinesh has been given two weeks to submit her response.
The latest development further escalates tensions between the wrestler and the federation. In recent days, Vinesh had publicly alleged that officials were creating obstacles to prevent her return and had initially delayed her registration for the Gonda tournament.
Her hopes of making the Asian Games 2026 squad have also taken a hit after the WFI introduced revised eligibility rules restricting trials entry to wrestlers who secured medals during the 2025 and 2026 season.
Since Vinesh has not competed since Paris, the revised pathway currently leaves her outside the selection process.