Vinesh Phogat Barred From National Open Ranking Wrestling Event By WFI Over Rule Violation. Internet Calls It Unfair
In 15-page long notice to Vinesh, the governing body claimed that she had caused national embarrassment.
In a recent turn of events, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been barred by The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda. For the unversed, the competition was suppose to be her official comeback after she had completed a retirement U-turn after hanging up her boots post the Paris Olympics 2024. Read to know more here.
WFI Bars Vinesh Phogat From The National Open Ranking Tournament
A show-cause notice was issued to Vinesh Phogat by the WFI which acccused her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. This also declared her ineligible to take part in domestic events till June 26, 2026. This happened after she failed to fulfil the compulsory six-month notice requirement for athletes who were making a comeback from retirement under UWW Anti-Doping regulations.
In 15-page long notice to Vinesh, the governing body claimed that she had caused national embarrassment, violated the rules of WGI UWW International Wrestling rules and anti-doping regulations, and damaged the reputation of the Indian wrestling. They asked Phogat to explain the four major charges including her disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics after she missed the weight cut reportedly linked to the anti-doping regulations, and participation in two separate weight divisions in the March 2024 selection trials overseen by then appointed ad-hoc committee.
Also Read: Vinesh Phogat Reverses Retirement Decision, Announces Return For LA 2028. You Go Girl!
The organisation also stated that she won’t be able to compete at the event in Gonda, which was hyped as her return. Vignesh now has 14 days to reply to this notice. The WFI’s decision is the most recent development in a struggle between Vinesh and the WFI. The wrestler said that after being unable to register for the national ranking championships, the federation was purposefully attempting to thwart her attempts to return to the mat. In the end, the registration process was successful on the last day.What are your thoughts on this? Let us know.
First Published: May 09, 2026 11:15 PMFAQs
Are Vinesh Phogat and Geeta Phogat Real Sisters?
Vinesh Phogat and Geeta Phogat are cousin sisters. Though they hail from the same famous wrestling family, Vinesh is the daughter Mahavir Singh Phogat’s brother, Rajpal. She was raised by Mahavir after her father’s death.
