Vinesh Phogat's Comeback Controversy: Can She Compete in National Open Ranking Tournament?

Vinesh Phogat is embroiled in a controversy regarding her eligibility to compete in the National Open Ranking tournament after responding to a show-cause notice from the Wrestling Federation of India. The federation claims she cannot participate until disciplinary proceedings are concluded, while Vinesh argues that she has met all necessary requirements to return from retirement. The situation has escalated, with accusations of indiscipline and procedural violations against her. As the weigh-in approaches, the outcome of this dispute could significantly impact her wrestling career.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 14:53 IST

Vinesh Phogat Challenges WFI's Decision

Vinesh Phogat arrived in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday to address the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) show-cause notice. She asserts her right to return from retirement, despite the federation's stance that she is barred from participating in the ongoing National Open Ranking tournament.

The WFI has stated that she cannot compete until the disciplinary proceedings against her are resolved.

Previously, the federation ruled Vinesh ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, citing a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.

Upon her arrival in Ayodhya, 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, as she had notified United World Wrestling (UWW) of her intention to resume competition back in June.

In her defense, Vinesh claimed she had formally communicated her comeback to UWW well ahead of time, thus meeting the necessary procedural requirements for her return.

However, sources within the WFI 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 notice.

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

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

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

The WFI also claimed that a "false narrative" was being propagated, suggesting that the selection criteria for the National Open Ranking Tournament had been modified specifically to exclude Vinesh.

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

While her husband contended that Vinesh never officially retired and only made a social media post, the WFI maintained that a communication from UWW in December 2024 confirmed her retirement notification to the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Conversely, Vinesh argued that she had subsequently informed the global body of her intention to return, making her eligible for the tournament in Gonda.

The weigh-in for female wrestlers is set for Monday between 5 PM and 7 PM, with the competition scheduled for Tuesday.

Medalists at this event may qualify for the World Championship trials later this year, but according to WFI policy, they will not be eligible for the Asian Games trials.