WFI Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat Over Alleged Violations

The Wrestling Federation of India has taken significant action against Vinesh Phogat by issuing a show-cause notice due to alleged indiscipline and violations of anti-doping rules. This notice renders her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, impacting her participation in upcoming events, including the National Open Ranking Tournament. The WFI has outlined several charges against her, including disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Vinesh has 14 days to respond to these allegations, which have raised concerns about the integrity of Indian wrestling. Read on for more details about the situation and its implications for her career.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 14:26 IST

WFI Takes Action Against Vinesh Phogat

On Saturday, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) served a show-cause notice to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, citing allegations of indiscipline and breaches of anti-doping regulations. As a result, she has been deemed ineligible to participate in domestic competitions until June 26, due to her failure to fulfill the required six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement, as stipulated by UWW Anti-Doping Rules.

The notice, spanning 15 pages, accuses Vinesh of actions that have brought national disgrace, tarnished the reputation of Indian wrestling, and breached the WFI Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules, and anti-doping guidelines.

The federation has outlined four main charges against her, including her disqualification from the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics for not making weight, alleged failures to report her whereabouts as per anti-doping rules, and competing in two different weight categories during the selection trials held in March 2024 by an ad-hoc panel appointed by the IOA.

Furthermore, the WFI has explicitly stated that she cannot compete in any domestic events until June 26, which includes the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, set for May 10 to 12, where she was expected to make her return.

“The Federation must ensure that you have not committed any Anti-Doping Rule Violation that would disqualify you from representing the Federation in future competitions,” the notice emphasized.

Vinesh has a period of 14 days to provide her response to the notice.