Vinesh Phogat Faces WFI Show Cause Notice Amid Controversy

Tensions rise as Vinesh Phogat faces a show cause notice from the Wrestling Federation of India, accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping violations. In a cryptic social media post, she expresses her struggles while questioning the federation's actions following her complaints against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. With her participation in the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament in jeopardy, Vinesh's return to wrestling after retirement is now uncertain. Discover the full story behind this unfolding controversy.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 01:56 IST

Wrestling Federation of India Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat

New Delhi, May 10: Tensions are escalating between the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Following a show cause notice issued by the federation on Saturday, which accused the three-time Olympian of various acts of indiscipline and anti-doping violations, Vinesh took to social media to express her feelings.

On X, she shared a cryptic message stating, “Life is caught in some deep whirlpool’s midst. The world seeks flaws in my character, persists. Life has always held your head held high. No sword has the power to make it bow.”

The WFI's extensive 15-page notice outlined four significant allegations against Vinesh. These include her failure to meet weight requirements for the 2024 Paris Olympics, purported anti-doping rule breaches, non-compliance with return-to-competition protocols after retirement, and infractions during the selection trials in March 2024. Consequently, the federation has suspended her from all sanctioned competitions until at least June 26.

This notice follows Vinesh's revelation that she is among six female wrestlers who have lodged sexual harassment complaints against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She has also raised concerns regarding the lack of action taken against him and her safety in Gonda, his hometown.

Vinesh's announcement about her participation in the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, scheduled from May 10 to May 12, was intended to mark her return to competitive wrestling.

After announcing her retirement in 2024, Vinesh confirmed her comeback in December 2025, aiming to pursue her Olympic aspirations after an 18-month break from the sport.