Vinesh Phogat Defends Eligibility After WFI Bars Her from National Ranking Tournament

Gonda, May 2026 : Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday strongly defended her eligibility to compete after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) barred her from participating in the Senior National Open Ranking Tournament, despite her being cleared by international anti-doping authorities earlier this year.

The former World Championships medallist attended the tournament venue in Gonda and met WFI president Sanjay Singh to discuss the issue. However, the federation maintained that disciplinary proceedings concerning her return to competition were still pending under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, specifically Rule 5.6.1, which governs retired athletes re-entering competitive sport.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vinesh rejected allegations of wrongdoing and clarified that she had never committed any anti-doping violation. She explained that the issue arose only because she had missed a single whereabouts filing during a difficult personal period.

“If I had broken any anti-doping rule, then NADA India would have issued me a show-cause notice or banned me. WADA would have also taken action,” she said. “I missed one whereabouts filing. There are three such filings in total. At that time, I had just become a mother and was also attending an Assembly session. I forgot to update it. I apologised to WADA, and they cleared me to participate in international events.”

Vinesh questioned the federation’s refusal to accept the decision of international authorities, saying there should not be any confusion once global governing bodies had approved her return.

“If I am eligible to compete internationally, then the federation here should also accept the International Federation’s decision,” she remarked.

Later in the day, Vinesh shared on social media a letter issued by the International Testing Agency (ITA), which manages anti-doping programmes for United World Wrestling. The letter, dated July 3, 2025, reportedly confirmed that she would be eligible to resume competition from January 1, 2026, while also apologising for delays in communication.

The wrestler further revealed that she had undergone two doping tests after being cleared by the authorities and had passed both tests with negative results.

“Even after the clearance, I was tested twice. I did not come here without undergoing doping tests. I came back clean in both,” she said. “I have always been clean in sports. I am not trying to take anyone’s place unfairly. I only want a fair opportunity.”

Vinesh also reiterated her long-standing demand for transparent selection processes in Indian wrestling and insisted that performance should decide selection.

“Whoever is the best wrestler in India should prove it on the mat after trials. But if I am not even allowed to step onto the mat, how will anyone know who has worked harder?” she asked.

The controversy comes amid continuing tensions between several wrestlers and the WFI over governance and administrative decisions in recent years.

Meanwhile, the Wrestling Federation of India issued an official statement defending its handling of the matter. The federation stated that Vinesh was provided full security and support throughout her visit to the venue.

“Vinesh Phogat was given complete security arrangements from the moment she arrived,” the statement said. “She met officials and was informed about her ineligibility to participate according to the applicable rules. She interacted freely with the media and was neither stopped nor interrupted. After this, she left the venue peacefully.”

The episode has once again brought the spotlight back on administrative disputes in Indian wrestling, with Vinesh maintaining that she deserves a fair chance to compete after being cleared by international anti-doping agencies.