New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday banned the star wrestler. Vinesh Phogat Taking part in the Senior Open Ranking Series event in Gonda starting May 10, he was issued a 15-page show-cause notice on multiple disciplinary and anti-doping charges and effectively delayed his return to international wrestling nearly 20 months after his retirement after the Paris Olympics.The federation said Vinesh would be ineligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events until May 26, 2026, citing violations of retirement and withdrawal regulations under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.In its notice, the WFI accused the wrestler of a number of violations, including breaching the submission requirements under the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015, acts of misconduct and conduct “prejudicial to the sport of wrestling and the interest of the WFI”.The allegations against Vinesh were his failure to cut weight at the Paris Olympics, which led to his disqualification, alleged violation of the WFI constitution, anti-doping rule violations arising from venue failures, and competing in two weight categories, the 50 kg and 53 kg at the 50 kg and 53 kg alleged selection trials, held on 20 March 2012 at PETA on 12 March. happened Violation of UWW Contest Rules.The federation also cited a missed dope test recorded on December 18, 2025, which was notified by the International Testing Agency.“The Wrestling Federation of India has issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat. He has been arraigned on several counts including violation of United World Wrestling’s accommodation submission requirements and violation of Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015 which includes retirement and return to competition, serious actions for irresponsible conduct and WFI,” the federation said.The WFI added that, “Based on the records available with the Federation, public reports, the reasonable award of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Ad Hoc Division dated 14/16 August 2024 and correspondence on record, the WFI has reason to believe that you have acted seriously in the past, which you have done seriously in the interests and reputation of the WFI, the Indian wrestling community and the nation, and which the WFI Violation of the Constitution, UWW International Wrestling Rules and National Anti-Doping Rules 2021.“The notice asked Vinesh to explain within 14 days from May 9, 2026 why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him.“Submission and consideration of your response, based on your letter/email dated 12 December 2025, your minimum six-month term has not yet expired and as a result, you will be ineligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events until 26 May 2026, including your ineligibility to participate in the opening sundry at Nangarna Sandrina. From 10-12 May and any Other upcoming national rankings, selections and international competitions, in the wider interest of the sport and the federation,” the notice added.The development is a major blow for Vinesh, who had been eyeing a competitive comeback after announcing her retirement following her dramatic disqualification at the Paris Olympics despite reaching the women’s 50kg final.
