Vinesh Phogat Challenges WFI's Decision Amid Controversy

Vinesh Phogat has taken a stand against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after being declared ineligible to compete until June 26. Despite the federation's claims of multiple violations, Phogat argues that these actions are part of a conspiracy to hinder her return to wrestling. She insists on her innocence and has received clearance from the International Testing Agency to compete. Phogat is determined to provide evidence to support her case and is seeking a fair opportunity to participate in the sport she loves. Her situation raises questions about the integrity of the WFI and the treatment of athletes returning from retirement.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 02:07 IST

Vinesh Phogat Takes a Stand Against WFI

In a bold move, Vinesh Phogat confronted the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by attending the National Open Ranking tournament at Nandini Nagar in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. This occurred despite the federation declaring her ineligible until June 26 due to a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.

The Olympian stated that she had responded to a show-cause notice from the WFI, but her documents were not accepted. The WFI pointed to four infractions: disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics for missing weight, failures in whereabouts under anti-doping protocols, late notification of her return, and competing in two weight classes (50kg and 53kg) during the March 2024 selection trials overseen by an ad-hoc panel appointed by the Indian Olympic Association.

Vinesh described the WFI's actions as a "pre-planned conspiracy" aimed at hindering her return to the sport. Speaking to reporters, she emphasized that she had received clearance from the International Testing Agency to compete and should not be held accountable for the other allegations. "What do you want me to do? Should I just give up and let their conspiracy succeed?" she remarked after her meeting with WFI president Sanjay Singh.

She also mentioned her intention to submit a comprehensive response to the notice, complete with evidence to prove her innocence.

As a Congress MLA representing Julana in Haryana's Jind district, Vinesh expressed, "All I seek is a fair opportunity to compete, yet they insist I respond to their notice first. If I had breached any regulations, NADA or WADA would have issued me a notice or imposed a ban. I have consistently passed doping tests and have always maintained a clean record in sports."

Vinesh clarified that, contrary to the WFI's stated eligibility date of June 26, 2026, she was officially eligible to resume training and competition as of January 1, 2026. She shared this confirmation from the International Testing Agency, which is responsible for doping control in wrestling, on her social media account.

Additionally, she refuted the claim that she violated rules by competing in two weight categories during the 2024 selection trials at NIS-Patiala, asserting that the ad-hoc committee overseeing the WFI was aware of her participation and raised no objections.