Vinesh Phogat Faces Disciplinary Action from Wrestling Federation of India
WFI Issues Notice to Vinesh Phogat
New Delhi [India] - On May 9, 2026, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) delivered a comprehensive show cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian, citing several instances of misconduct and violations of anti-doping regulations. As a result, she has been deemed ineligible to participate in the upcoming National Open Ranking Tournament scheduled for 2026 in Gonda.
The 15-page notice outlines four significant allegations against Phogat, including her failure to meet weight requirements during the Paris Olympics, purported breaches of anti-doping rules, non-compliance with return-to-competition protocols after retirement, and infractions during the selection trials held in March 2024.
The WFI characterized Phogat's disqualification from the women's 50kg gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics as a "national embarrassment," emphasizing her obligation to adhere to the required weight throughout the competition.
According to the federation, her inability to comply has inflicted "lasting damage to the reputation of Indian wrestling." The notice also referenced a "Recorded Missed Test" from December 18, 2025, reported by the International Testing Agency (ITA), alleging that Phogat exhibited a "cumulative pattern" of failures regarding her whereabouts. Another instance of a whereabouts failure from September 9, 2024, was also cited.
Additionally, the federation accused Phogat of breaching Article 5.7 of the United World Wrestling (UWW) Anti-Doping Rules by not providing the required six-month notice prior to her return to competition post-retirement.
Another serious allegation involves her participation in two different weight categories, 50kg and 53kg, during the March 2024 selection trials, which the WFI described as a "direct and manifest violation" of UWW regulations.
Until she responds to these allegations, Phogat is barred from competing in any sanctioned events until at least June 26, 2026. The notice stated, "It is unsafe and contrary to the integrity of doping control to allow your participation until compliance with anti-doping and retirement protocols is fully established."
This situation arises amidst a public dispute regarding the venue for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Phogat has voiced concerns about her safety, as Gonda is known to be a stronghold of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, against whom she has filed a complaint in an ongoing sexual harassment case.
In a video message, Phogat expressed her apprehensions about competing in such an environment, stating, "Imagine if I go to his house and to his college... where every person would be related to him. I don’t think I will be able to give my 100 percent there."
Following her video, WFI President Sanjay Singh dismissed her concerns, assuring that her safety would be prioritized during the event. He stated, "We have UWW-approved referees officiating, and all trial bouts are recorded, so there is no chance of any bias."
The federation has granted Phogat a 14-day period to respond to the allegations, specifically requesting her explanation regarding the alleged "unsportsmanlike behaviour" and "grave acts of indiscipline" mentioned in the notice. The WFI also cautioned that failure to respond within the given timeframe would lead to the matter proceeding ex parte, allowing the federation to issue decisions as deemed appropriate.