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WFI chief: Vinesh Phogat must wait for show-cause reply before competing; committee to decide
WFI president Sanjay Singh announced that Vinesh Phogat cannot participate in any WFI events until she replies to a show-cause notice. A committee will review her response, and she is ineligible for the Asian Games trials on May 30 until cleared. The timeline includes her arrival in Gonda, the show-cause notice, and subsequent statements of support and critique from peers.
Why It Matters
The development shapes Phogat's comeback prospects and highlights ongoing tensions between the WFI and athletes seeking reinstatement after retirement or disciplinary actions.
Timeline
7 Events
Deepak Punia comments on protests' impact on training
May 12, 2026
Asian Games silver medallist Deepak Punia blamed the 2023 Jantar Mantar protests led by Phogat and Malik for disrupting training and limiting opportunities to compete abroad, affecting performance.
Sakshi Malik backs Phogat and calls for trials
May 12, 2026
Sakshi Malik, a fellow protester and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, released a video statement in support of Phogat, urging authorities to allow her to participate in trials to continue competing and inspiring other athletes.
Phogat claims ITA clearance and denies anti-doping violation
May 12, 2026
In a media statement, Phogat said she has been cleared by the International Testing Agency (ITA) and denied any anti-doping rule violation.
WFI chief: Phogat must wait for show-cause reply; committee to decide
May 12, 2026
Sanjay Singh stated that Phogat’s participation will have to wait until she submits her reply to the show-cause notice, after which a WFI committee will deliberate and decide. He added that she is currently not eligible to compete in any WFI event, including the Asian Games trials on May 30, and that she would need to compete in a domestic event to qualify for trials for the world championships.
Phogat leaves the venue as women’s competition begins
May 11, 2026
Phogat departed the venue on Monday night, the day before the women’s competition commenced.
Vinesh Phogat arrives at Gonda venue and is barred from Gonda meet
May 11, 2026
Phogat arrived at the Senior Open National Ranking Tournament venue in Gonda and was barred from taking part in the Gonda meet, which would have been her first event since retirement.
WFI issues show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat
May 9, 2026
The Wrestling Federation of India issued a 15-page show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, asking her to respond to alleged rule violations and indiscipline, including issues related to weight at the Paris Olympics and possible anti-doping concerns.