Finish Foghat. (Twitter image)
NEW DELHI: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday banned star wrestler Vinesh Phogat from competing in the Senior Open Ranking Series event in Gonda from May 10, issuing her a lengthy 15-page show cause notice on several disciplinary charges and anti-doping charges and delaying her return to international wrestling nearly 20 months after her post-Paris Olympics retirement.The federation said that Fenech will remain ineligible to compete in any WWF competitions and events until May 26, 2026, citing violations related to retirement and return-to-competition rules under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.
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In its notice, the WWF accused the wrestler of numerous violations, including violating the requirement to provide his whereabouts under the 2015 UWW Anti-Doping Rules, acts of indiscipline and conduct “prejudicial to the interest of the sport of wrestling and the WWF.”Among the allegations against Fenech are her failure to make weight at the Paris Olympics, which led to her disqualification, alleged violations of the WFI Constitution, anti-doping rule violations arising from a failure at venue, and participation in two weight classes, 50kg and 53kg during selection trials conducted on 11 March 2024 at NIS Patiala, for allegedly violating UWW competition rules.
The federation also pointed to the failure of a doping test recorded on December 18, 2025, which was notified by the International Testing Agency.“The Wrestling Federation of India has issued a show cause notice to Vinesh Phogat. She has been charged with several counts including breach of United World Wrestling’s whereabouts requirements and Section 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015 governing retirement and return to competition, acts of gross indiscipline and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the sport of wrestling and the WWF,” the federation said.The WFI also said that “on the basis of records available with the Federation, public reports and the reasoned decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Ad Hoc Section dated 14/16 August 2024 and recorded correspondence, the WFI has reason to believe, prima facie, that you have committed acts and omissions that are seriously prejudicial to the discipline, image, reputation and interests of the WFI, the Indian Wrestling Association. and the Nation, and which constitute violations of the WFI Constitution, the UWW International Wrestling Rules and the National Anti-Wrestling Rules.” Steroids 2021.
“The notice required Fenech to explain within 14 days from May 9, 2026 why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.“Pending submission and consideration of your response, on the basis of your letter/email dated 12 December 2025, your minimum requirement of six months has not yet expired and as a result, you will be ineligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events until 26 May 2026 including ineligibility to participate in the Senior Open Ranking Series Championship at Nandini Nagar, Gonda from 10 to 12 May and any other upcoming National Championships,” he added. Notice: “Classification, selection and international competitions, in the wider interest of the sport and the Federation.”The development comes as a major setback for Fenech, who was looking forward to a competitive return after announcing her retirement following her dramatic exclusion from the Paris Olympics despite reaching the women’s 50kg final.