'Until We Have Full Explanation...': Vinesh Phogat Vs WFI Battle Continues

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 15:58 IST

Vinesh Phogat challenges WFI show cause notice, citing UWW and WADA rules as she defends her right to compete after announcing her return from retirement.

2018 Asian Games gold medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday replied to the show-cause notice issued by the Wrestling Federation of India over her participation, saying that she had already informed the United World Wrestling of her comeback from retirement and the WFI cannot bar her on the same.

The WFI had ruled Vinesh ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, citing the mandatory six-month notice period under anti-doping regulations for athletes coming out of retirement.

After arriving in Ayodhya, Vinesh responded to WFI’s show-cause notice, asserting that Rule 5.6.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency Code regarding retired athletes didn’t apply to her because she had already informed UWW in June about her decision to return to competition after retirement.

Under UWW rules, any athlete planning to come out of retirement and resume competition must inform the body at least six months in advance and remain available for doping tests throughout that period.

Vinesh argued that her formal intimation to UWW of her comeback met the procedural requirements for her return to competition.

As per a PTI report, the WFI wasn’t convinced by Vinesh’s response, believing that she had addressed only the problem of eligibility while failing to answer the wider disciplinary allegations outlined in the detailed notice issued on Saturday, May 9.

“The reply isn’t enough. She hasn’t answered the full show-cause notice. Until a disciplinary hearing is conducted and the matter is decided, she can’t be permitted to compete," a WFI source said while speaking to PTI.

“We will not stop her from coming here, but until we have a full explanation and not just on one issue, she has to wait," the source added.

The controversy started after the WFI served a show-cause notice to Vinesh, accusing her of indiscipline, violating federation rules and procedural lapses related to anti-doping regulations.

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