Why has WFI issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat?
New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India has issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, accusing the wrestler of indiscipline and alleged anti-doping rule violations.
In a detailed 15-page notice issued on Saturday, the federation declared Phogat ineligible to compete in domestic tournaments until 26 June 2026, stating that she had failed to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling anti-doping regulations.
The action means Phogat will be unable to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, scheduled to take place from 10 to 12 May, which had been expected to mark her return to competitive wrestling.
According to the WFI, the wrestler’s actions had caused “national embarrassment”, harmed the image of Indian wrestling and breached provisions of the federation’s constitution, international wrestling regulations and anti-doping rules.
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The notice reportedly outlines four major allegations against the wrestler. These include her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics after failing to meet the required weight category, alleged whereabouts failures linked to anti-doping compliance, and claims that she competed in two separate weight divisions during the March 2024 selection trials organised by the then IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee.
“The Federation must satisfy itself that you have not committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation that would render you ineligible to represent the Federation in any forthcoming competition,” the notice stated.
Phogat has been given 14 days to submit her response to the allegations.