WFI Receives Vinesh Phogat's Reply On Show Cause Notice, To Take Decision As Per Rules

Published 5 June 2026 · local

WFI Receives Vinesh Phogat's Reply On Show Cause Notice, To Take Decision As Per Rules Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 10:12 IST Last

WFI Receives Vinesh Phogat's Reply On Show Cause Notice, To Take Decision As Per Rules Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 10:12 IST Last month, Wrestling Federation of India had issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. Rapid Read Vinesh Phogat was allowed to participate in the selection trials. (PTI Photo) The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has said it has received Vinesh Phogat’s reply to the show-cause notice issued to her and that the matter will be adjudicated in accordance with its rules and procedures. WFI issued the statement on Thursday after the Supreme Court dismissed its plea against a Delhi High Court order that had allowed World Championships medallist Vinesh to participate in the selection trials. The apex court termed the plea “infructuous" in view of subsequent developments.

“WFI has received the Respondent’s (Vinesh‘s) reply to the Show Cause Notice, which shall be adjudicated in accordance with WFI’s rules and procedures," WFI president Sanjay Kumar Singh said in the statement. On May 9, WFI had issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh, accusing her of indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. “WFI further notes that the conduct of certain wrestlers at the Selection Trials is under consideration and a decision in that regard is yet to be taken," he said, apparently referring to Vinesh’s conduct without naming her in the statement. On May 22, a division bench of the Delhi High Court allowed Vinesh to participate in the Asian Games selection trials, observing that WFI’s selection policy was exclusionary because it lacked the discretion to consider an iconic player like her returning from a maternity break. WFI subsequently challenged the High Court order permitting Vinesh to compete in the selection trials.

On May 29, the Supreme Court allowed Vinesh to participate in the selection trials held on May 30 and 31. However, Vinesh’s hopes of making the Indian team for the Asian Games ended after she lost to Meenakshi Goyat in the 53kg semifinals. The WFI also reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment" to ensuring a “level playing field for every wrestler". “WFI wishes to make it unequivocally clear that all future selections shall be strictly merit-based, without exception or exemption to any wrestler, regardless of stature or past achievements." “There shall be no shortcuts to national selection," it said. Earlier this month, WFI declared Vinesh ineligible to participate in domestic events until June 26, citing the mandatory si month notice period under anti-doping rules for athletes returning from retirement. However, a defiant Vinesh turned up at the Open Ranking Tournament in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda.