Vinesh Phogat Faces Show-Cause Notice from Wrestling Federation of India

Vinesh, who had plans to return to wrestling after taking a break for motherhood, is now prohibited from competing in the upcoming 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament scheduled in Nandini Nagar, Gonda.

As per the notice issued by WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh, Vinesh has a period of 14 days to respond. The federation claims her actions on social media have caused embarrassment to the nation and tarnished the image of Indian wrestling.

The notice outlines four specific violations: her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to weight issues; multiple 'whereabouts failures' related to anti-doping regulations; her failure to inform the United World Wrestling (UWW) about her return in a timely manner; and her participation in two different weight categories (50 kg and 53 kg) during the selection trials held in March 2024 by an ad hoc panel appointed by the Indian Olympic Association.

This notice follows closely after Vinesh publicly identified herself as one of six individuals who filed a sexual harassment complaint against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She also expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of referees at the Gonda event.

The notice, sent on Saturday, also highlights her failure to inform the UWW as required under Article 5.7 of the anti-doping rules, which stipulates that athletes must notify authorities at least six months in advance and be available for doping tests.

“Please be advised that if you do not submit your written response within the 14-day timeframe or do not take the opportunity for a personal hearing if offered, the federation will proceed ex parte and make decisions based on the available evidence,” Singh stated in the notice, a copy of which is held by a Media House.

“Until your response is reviewed, based on your correspondence dated December 12, 2025, your six-month eligibility period has not yet concluded. Therefore, you are ineligible to participate in any WFI events, including the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Nandini Nagar (May 10-12) and any other upcoming national, ranking, selection, or international competitions, in the best interest of the sport and the federation,” he added.