Gonda: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has publicly challenged the Wrestling Federation of India’s decision declaring her ineligible to compete, escalating an ongoing dispute just days before the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.

The controversy intensified after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued a showcause notice stating that Vinesh would remain ineligible for domestic competition until June 2026 due to anti-doping- return protocols and pending disciplinary proceedings.

However, the star wrestler arrived in Uttar Pradesh on Monday and maintained that she remains eligible to compete in the ongoing tournament, asserting that she had already informed relevant international authorities about her decision to return from retirement.

Vinesh disputes federation’s timeline

In a public statement issued after receiving the showcause notice, Vinesh said the federation had “misinterpreted” the timeline of her retirement and comeback process.

According to her, the WFI incorrectly stated that she would become eligible only on June 26, 2026.

“As opposed to the date stated by the WFI in their notice, I have been deemed eligible to return to official training and competition on January 1, 2026. I have official confirmation from the International Testing Agency pertaining to the same,” she stated.

Vinesh also confirmed that she intends to participate in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda after completing the registration process.

“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 added.

Anti-doping concerns spark dispute

The conflict between Vinesh and WFI centres around anti-doping return protocols and procedural requirements linked to athletes returning from retirement.

The federation has maintained that Vinesh officially informed the International Testing Agency (ITA) about her retirement following the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified before the women’s 50 kg gold medal bout.

According to WFI, athletes returning after retirement are required to complete a mandatory six-month notice period under anti-doping regulations before resuming competition.

The federation also accused Vinesh of indiscipline and procedural violations in its showcause notice.

However, Vinesh denied all allegations and insisted she had complied with the required procedures by informing United World Wrestling about her return to competition.

Wrestler denies rule violation allegations

Vinesh also addressed allegations regarding whereabouts failures and missed doping tests mentioned in the federation’s notice.

“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 authorities promptly, and both events do not amount to anti-doping rule violations,” she clarified.

The wrestler further rejected allegations that she violated rules during the 2024 selection trials at NIS Patiala by participating in two different weight categories.

“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,” she stated.

WFI yet to accept explanation fully

Reports suggest the Wrestling Federation of India is not fully satisfied with Vinesh’s initial response to the showcause notice.

The federation reportedly believes that while the wrestler addressed the eligibility issue, she did not comprehensively respond to the broader disciplinary allegations raised against her.

The dispute has now placed the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda under the spotlight, as medal winners from the event are expected to secure opportunities in the World Championship selection trials later this year.

Focus shifts to Asian Games preparation

Despite the controversy, Vinesh reiterated her intention to continue preparing for international events, including 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,” she said.

“I will establish my innocence and continue my preparations as I approach my return to competition. I look forward to the chance of representing India in the 2026 Asian Games and upcoming international events.”

The women’s weigh-ins for the Gonda tournament are scheduled between 5 pm and 7 pm on Monday, while the competition is set to begin on Tuesday.