Vinesh Phogat

Star wrestler vinesh phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of conspiring to force her out of the sport. Phogat insists she is eligible to return to competitive wrestling, refuting WFI claims about notice periods and rule violations. The WFI, however, maintains she cannot compete until disciplinary proceedings are concluded.

The celebrated wrestler's attempted comeback has run into a fresh WFI roadblock, reviving questions over wrestling’s rules, disciplinary action, anti-doping procedures and the bitter politics that have followed the 2023 wrestlers’ protest

Former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stated that vinesh phogat's participation in wrestling trials is under the current WFI administration's purview. He defended his tenure, asserting the WFI never barred athletes without valid reasons. Phogat was declared ineligible by the WFI until 2026 due to ongoing disciplinary proceedings, a decision she disputes, citing international clearance.

Wrestler vinesh phogat was denied entry to a domestic tournament in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, her planned comeback event. Citing pending disciplinary proceedings and a notice she hadn't responded to, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) declared her suspended. Phogat, who accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, claims this is a conspiracy to force her retirement.

According to messages accessed by TOI, UWW president Nenad Lalovic informed the WFI that, as the national federation, it was well within its rights to seek explanations from Vinesh and take any action it deemed appropriate after reviewing her response to the show-cause notice issued last Saturday.

Wrestler vinesh phogat revealed she is one of six women accusing former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Her statement comes before her return to competition at a tournament held in Singh's stronghold, raising concerns about fairness and safety.

Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik has backed vinesh phogat in her dispute with the Wrestling Federation of India over returning from retirement. Sakshi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to intervene, saying many countries support athletes after motherhood. Vinesh, now a Congress MLA and mother of a 10-month-old, is challenging WFI’s six-month comeback rule.

Wrestler vinesh phogat has formally responded to the Wrestling Federation of India's notice. She asserts her eligibility to return to competitive wrestling from January 1, 2026. Phogat claims she has official confirmation from the International Testing Agency. She intends to compete in the ongoing Senior Open Ranking Tournament. Phogat denies anti-doping rule violations and allegations regarding selection trials.

Wrestler vinesh phogat asserts her eligibility for the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda, despite the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) stance. WFI claims she must complete disciplinary proceedings and adhere to a mandatory notice period for retired athletes. Phogat argues she informed United World Wrestling of her intent to resume competition, but the federation remains unconvinced.

Women Wrestlers At Meet Say Legend Dealt Unfair Hand, Others Swear By The Rules; Sakshi Says Phogat’s Return After Motherhood Should Have Been Celebrated

Saurabh Mishra said the charges against vinesh phogat involve complex legal issues. He argued negligence limits sanctions in the whereabouts case, questioned whether she formally retired under WADA rules, cited possible institutional fault in dual-weight trials, and said further punishment after the CAS ruling may violate double jeopardy principles. He stressed her right to a fair hearing.

The Wrestling Federation of India announced new eligibility rules for the 2026 Asian Games trials, making vinesh phogat ineligible as only recent national and federation medal winners can participate. The returning wrestler is also facing an ITA warning for missing a doping test in December 2025. It counts as her first “whereabouts failure” but is not a doping violation.

Wrestler vinesh phogat received a formal warning from the International Testing Agency for a missed doping test in December 2025. This marks her first whereabouts failure within a year. Despite her explanation citing legislative duties and personal commitments, the ITA deemed it insufficient. The warning won't impact her upcoming Gonda tournament return.

In a video message ahead of her return after nearly 18 months, Vinesh said the competition, to be held at a venue linked to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, could see results influenced by people close to the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief.

Wrestler vinesh phogat has reportedly met WADA's six-month notice requirement for returning athletes, according to sources. Despite this, her comeback is facing scrutiny over registration issues and a whereabouts failure. Her eligibility for upcoming events, including the Asian Games, remains uncertain due to these controversies and selection policies.

In a letter dated May 4, 2026, the ITA said the missed test has been recorded after reviewing her explanation submitted on January 19, 2026.

Star wrestler vinesh phogat faces a significant setback as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) bars her from upcoming events until May 2026. Issued a lengthy show cause notice, she's accused of multiple disciplinary and anti-doping violations, including whereabouts failures and alleged rule breaches during selection trials. This effectively delays her international return.

vinesh phogat claimed she couldn’t register for a tournament, but WFI chief Sanjay Singh denied it, saying her registration was complete and accused her of creating unnecessary controversy. The event runs May 10–12. Vinesh, eyeing a comeback after her Olympic setback and disqualification, now faces fresh tension ahead of her return.

"Due to certain circumstances, I want to tell you all something. I did not want to speak while the case is still pending... But I want to say that I myself am one of those six victims who filed a complaint, and our testimonies are still ongoing."

Wrestler vinesh phogat revealed she is one of six accusers of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Her return to competition in his stronghold, Gonda, raises concerns about fairness and potential bias in officiating. Phogat, now a legislator, demands transparency, holding the government accountable for any incidents. The WFI president assures safety and denies bias.

"If Vinesh is worried about her safety, let me assure her that I am taking personal guarantee of that. Also, we have UWW-approved referees who officiate and all trial bouts are recorded, so there is no chance of any bias," Sanjay Singh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

vinesh phogat has accused the Wrestling Federation of India of “deliberately” blocking her comeback by not allowing her to register for the National Open Ranking tournament, crucial for Asian Games selection. She said the portal closed early and officials didn’t respond. WFI denied the claims, saying no one is being stopped. Vinesh fears missing the event could hurt her chances of returning to top-level competition.

vinesh phogat has been making headlines after her disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s 50kg wrestling category for exceeding the weight limit on the morning of her final match.

Indian actress Parvathy Thiruvothu commended wrestler vinesh phogat for making history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Indian wrestler vinesh phogat faced disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 grams over her weight category. Renowned actors Mammootty and Mohanlal, along with other celebrities, expressed their support, acknowledging her resilience and dedication. Despite the setback, vinesh phogat remains an inspiring figure in Indian sports.