Olympian Vinesh Phogat has finally broken her silence on the Wrestling Federation of India’s show-cause notice, strongly rejecting allegations of rule violations and claiming the federation has “misinterpreted” the timeline of her sabbatical and return to competition.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had issued a show-cause notice to the star wrestler over alleged “grave acts of indiscipline” and multiple rule violations, while also declaring her ineligible to participate in sanctioned events until June 26, 2026.
However, in a strongly worded statement released on social media on Monday, Phogat asserted that she had already been cleared by the International Testing Agency (ITA) to return to official training and competitions from January 1, 2026.
“I acknowledge receipt of the show cause notice dated 09.05.2026 issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to me. I will be providing detailed responses to each claim made in the notice, after consultation with my legal team and my advisors,” Phogat said.
Also Read: WFI issues 15-page notice to Vinesh Phogat, bars her from competitions till June 2026
The WFI notice alleged that Phogat violated Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules, which requires retired athletes to provide six months’ written notice before returning to competition and remain available for testing during that period.
Responding to the allegation, the three-time Olympian claimed the federation had incorrectly interpreted the timeline of her sabbatical.
“However, I would like to clear up a few matters pertaining to the notice to the public. The WFI has misinterpreted the timelines of my sabbatical from sport and subsequent return to training and competitions,” she stated.
“As opposed to the date stated by the WFI in their notice, i.e., June 26, 2026, I have been deemed eligible to return to official training and competition on January 1, 2026.”
Phogat further revealed that she had official confirmation from the ITA, the agency appointed by United World Wrestling (UWW) for anti-doping control.
“I have official confirmation from the International Testing Agency (ITA), the agency hired by the international federation UWW, the relevant international federation governing doping control for wrestling, pertaining to the same,” she added.
The wrestler also confirmed her intention to return to competition at the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.
“Therefore, I am eligible to participate in the 2026 Senior Open Ranking Tournament at Nandini Nagar, Gonda, scheduled for May 10-12, 2026. Having completed my registration for the same, I do intend to participate in the Tournament and mark my return to the mat in a competitive event,” she said.
Addressing concerns regarding a whereabouts failure in September 2024 and a missed test in December 2025, Phogat insisted neither incident amounted to an anti-doping rule violation under the WADA Code.
“With respect to the whereabouts failure from September 2024, and the Missed Test from December 2025, I confirm that I have cooperated with the relevant result management authorities promptly, and that both events do not amount to anti-doping rule violations per the National Anti-Doping Rules, 2021, or the WADA Code, 2021,” she said.
WFI had also accused Phogat of violating UWW regulations by competing in two different weight categories, 50kg and 53kg, during the selection trials held at NIS Patiala in March 2024.
Rejecting the allegation, Phogat claimed the then ad hoc committee overseeing WFI was fully aware of her participation and had raised no objections at the time.
“The allegation that I violated various rules by participating in two separate weight categories at the 2024 Selection Trials at NIS Patiala is also false, as the Ad-Hoc Committee governing the WFI at that point in time was well aware of my participation and made no objection at that stage while allowing me to participate,” she stated.
Phogat has been given 14 days to respond to the charges and may also appear before the WFI Disciplinary Committee for a personal hearing.
The wrestler said she would submit a detailed response with supporting evidence and remained focused on making a successful comeback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.
“Beyond the same, I am reviewing the contents of the notice and will provide a detailed response with supporting evidence to the WFI within the prescribed time limit of fourteen days.”
“I will establish my innocence and will continue my preparations as I approach my return to competition, and I look forward to the chance at representing India in the 2026 Asian Games and upcoming international events,” Phogat concluded.