Vinesh Phogat Challenges WFI's Decision Amid Controversy Over Return to Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat Responds to WFI's Show-Cause Notice

On Monday, Vinesh Phogat arrived in Ayodhya and addressed the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) show-cause notice. She asserted her right to return from retirement, despite the federation's stance that she cannot participate in the ongoing National Open Ranking tournament until the disciplinary proceedings against her are resolved.

The WFI had ruled Vinesh ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, citing a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement as per anti-doping regulations.

Upon her arrival, Vinesh responded to the WFI's notice, arguing that Rule 5.6.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code does not apply to her case. She had previously informed United World Wrestling (UWW) in June about her intention to resume competition.

According to UWW regulations, athletes wishing to return from retirement must notify the organization at least six months in advance while being available for testing during that timeframe.

Vinesh contended that her formal notification to UWW satisfied the necessary procedural requirements for her return to competition.

However, WFI sources expressed dissatisfaction with her response, indicating that she only addressed her eligibility and did not adequately respond to the broader disciplinary allegations outlined in the detailed notice issued on Saturday.

"Her reply is insufficient. She has not addressed the entire show-cause notice. Until a disciplinary hearing is held and a decision is made, she cannot compete," a WFI source stated.

"We will not prevent her from coming here, but until we receive a comprehensive explanation—not just on one issue—she must wait," the source added.

The situation escalated when the WFI issued a stern show-cause notice to the prominent wrestler, accusing her of indiscipline, violations of federation rules, and procedural breaches related to anti-doping.

Prior to this, Vinesh had claimed that the WFI was attempting to obstruct her participation.

The WFI also asserted that a misleading narrative was being circulated, suggesting that the selection criteria for the National Open Ranking Tournament had been modified specifically to exclude Vinesh.

Vinesh had previously announced her retirement from wrestling following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Her husband, Sombir Rathi, stated that Vinesh never officially announced her retirement, as she only shared it on social media. In contrast, the WFI maintained that a communication from UWW in December 2024 confirmed her notification to the International Testing Agency (ITA) regarding her retirement.

The federation has requested her explanation on multiple charges, including her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Games due to weight issues, alleged failures to report whereabouts under anti-doping rules, and competing in two weight categories during the March 2024 selection trials conducted by the then IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel.

The weigh-in for the women’s wrestlers at the Ranking event is set for Monday between 5 PM and 7 PM, with the competition scheduled for Tuesday.

Medal winners at this event may have the opportunity to compete in the World Championship trials later this year, but they will not be eligible for the Asian Games trials according to WFI policy.