Vinesh PhogatWFIWrestling Federation of IndiaShow-Cause NoticeEligibility to Compete
Vinesh Phogat Responds to WFI Show-Cause Notice, Insists on Eligibility to Compete
Published: May 11, 2026
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Vinesh Phogat has responded to the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) show-cause notice, confirming receipt of the notice dated 09.05.2026 and stating she will respond formally after consulting her legal team. She addressed the matter publicly, saying there has been a misunderstanding regarding her comeback timeline, and clarified that she has been deemed eligible to return to official training and competition on January 1, 2026.
Phogat rejected the WFI's claim that she would only be eligible from June 26, 2026, and stated that she has official confirmation from the International Testing Agency (ITA). She also addressed anti-doping related allegations, saying that the whereabouts failure and missed test cited by WFI do not amount to violations.
The WFI has maintained that Phogat remains ineligible until June 26, 2026 due to retirement-to-return regulations under anti-doping rules.
Phogat will submit a detailed response within 14 days and has stated that she will establish her innocence and continue her preparations as she approaches her return to competition. The WFI's response to Phogat's statement is awaited, and the situation will be closely monitored in the coming days.