WFI issues show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, wrestler barred from competing till June 26

PTC News Desk: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday issued a show cause notice to Vinesh Phogat accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. 

Wrestling Federation of India has accused Vinesh Phogat of indiscipline and violating anti-doping rules, and declared her ineligible to participate in domestic competitions until June 26. The action was taken because she allegedly did not complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under UWW anti-doping rules.

In a 15-page notice, the federation said Vinesh’s actions had embarrassed the country, harmed the image of Indian wrestling and violated provisions of the WFI Constitution, UWW international wrestling rules and anti-doping regulations.

“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 14 days to respond to the notice.

The WFI has asked her to respond to four major allegations. These include her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics after failing to meet the required weight limit, alleged failures related to providing whereabouts information under anti-doping rules, and competing in two weight categories during the March 2024 selection trials conducted by the IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel.

The federation also stated that she cannot compete in any domestic event until June 26, including the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda from May 10 to 12, which was expected to mark her return to wrestling.