“I Will Establish My Innocence": Vinesh Phogat Hits Back at WFI After Comeback Blocked

Vinesh Phogat's attempted return to competitive wrestling has now escalated into a direct public confrontation with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), after the federation blocked her participation in the National Open Ranking tournament in Gonda despite the wrestler claiming she had received international clearance to compete.

The Indian wrestling star arrived in Gonda on Monday hoping to make her comeback to the mat, but maintained that WFI had still refused to allow her entry into the competition scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Speaking after the latest development, Vinesh claimed she had personally informed WFI president Sanjay Singh that she had already secured written clearance from United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Testing Agency (ITA).

"He wants me to quit wrestling and focus on studies," Vinesh said while speaking about her interaction with the WFI president.

Vinesh Phogat says anti-doping allegations do not amount to rule violation

The controversy intensified after WFI recently issued a showcause notice declaring Vinesh ineligible to compete in domestic events until June 26, 2026.

The federation accused her of violating anti-doping return protocols, indiscipline and procedural breaches linked to her comeback from retirement following the Paris Olympics 2024.

However, Vinesh strongly denied the allegations and insisted that neither the missed whereabouts filing nor the reported missed test amounted to an anti-doping violation.

"If I had violated any anti-doping rule, NADA or WADA would have banned me," Vinesh said.

"I had missed one whereabouts update after becoming a mother and during an Assembly session. I apologised, and WADA cleared me to participate in international events."

She also revealed that she had requested 14 days to submit a detailed response to the showcause notice because she had been focused on preparing for competition and cutting weight for the tournament.

"I received the notice on Friday and did not have enough time to respond in detail because I was preparing for the competition and cutting weight," she explained.

"I requested 14 days to submit a proper reply and asked them not to stop me from competing during that period."

Vinesh Phogat claims WFI misinterpreted comeback timeline

In her official response, Vinesh accused the federation of incorrectly interpreting the timeline regarding her retirement and return to competition.

According to WFI, Vinesh remains ineligible until June 26, 2026 because of the mandatory six-month notice requirement linked to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.

Vinesh, however, claimed she had already informed international authorities about her comeback plans much earlier and had been declared eligible from January 1, 2026.

"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," Vinesh said.

"I have official confirmation from the International Testing Agency pertaining to the same."

She further insisted that she intended to participate in the Gonda event after completing her 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.

WFI and Vinesh Phogat standoff continues before key domestic event

The National Open Ranking tournament has now become the centre of a growing standoff between Vinesh and the federation.

The event carries major importance because medal winners are expected to receive opportunities for World Championship trials later this year, while the broader Asian Games 2026 cycle also begins to take shape over the coming months.

WFI, meanwhile, remains unconvinced by Vinesh's explanation and reportedly believes she has not fully addressed all disciplinary concerns raised in the federation's 15-page notice.

The governing body had earlier accused her of causing "national embarrassment," violating federation rules and breaching anti-doping obligations linked to whereabouts filings and missed tests.

Despite the dispute, Vinesh has maintained that she plans to continue preparing for future international events.

"I will establish my innocence and will continue my preparations as I approach my return to competition," she said.

"I look forward to the chance at representing India in the 2026 Asian Games and upcoming international events."