Vinesh Phogat Claims NADA, WADA's Greenlight To Her Return, Slams WFI

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 20:55 IST

Vinesh Phogat disputes WFI ban under WADA Rule 5.6.1, cites NADA and international clearance, shares ITA letter confirming return from January 1, 2026.

2018 Asian Games gold medallist wrestler Vinesh Phogat has said that if she had violated any rule, the National Anti-Doping Agency would have given her a show-cause notice, but they haven’t, adding that the Wrestling Federation of India isn’t letting her take part despite the world body’s approval.

The WFI has declared Vinesh ineligible under WADA’s Rule 5.6.1 relating to retired athletes returning to competition.

Vinesh reached Gonda for the National Open Ranking Tournament and held discussions with Sanjay Singh after the WFI denied her entry, stating that disciplinary action against her was still ongoing.

“If I had violated any rule, then NADA India would have given me a show-cause notice. Or they would have banned me. Or WADA would have given me a show-cause notice," Vinesh told the media.

“I had missed one whereabouts. And there are three of them. I had become a mother at that time. I had an assembly session. I forgot to update. I even apologised to WADA for that," Vinesh added.

The star wrestler said that she had informed WADA about the circumstances and was cleared to compete.

The WFI, however, invoked WADA rule 5.6.1, concerning the return of retired athletes to competition, to rule Vinesh out of domestic events until June 26, 2026.

Questioning the federation’s stand, Vinesh said that international authorities had already accepted her eligibility.

“And here they are saying that they aren’t satisfied with anything. If I can participate internationally, then you can also be satisfied with the International Federation that I can play," Vinesh said.

The star wrestler later shared a letter from the International Testing Agency on her X account, stating that an official had issued an apology on July 3, 2025 and confirmed that Vinesh would be eligible to return to competition from January 1, 2026.

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