Vinesh Reaches Gonda but WFI Ban Blocks Her Comeback Attempt
Vinesh Phogat arrived in Gonda ready to compete. She’s not competing.
The Wrestling Federation of India issued a show-cause notice and declared her ineligible until June 26 — blocking her from participating in the National Open Ranking Tournament that was supposed to mark her return to the mat.
The reason: under UWW Anti-Doping Rules, athletes returning from retirement must give six months’ notice. Vinesh’s December 2025 communication to SAI, WFI, and TOPS-SAI announcing her intention to return and target the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics didn’t satisfy that requirement. There’s also a missed test flag — the International Testing Agency recorded a failed doping control attempt on December 18, 2025.
Vinesh isn’t backing down. She insists she is eligible to compete and plans to fight the ban. She’s been here before — contested officialdom, taken on the system.
June 26 is the earliest she can return. The LA Olympics clock is ticking.