New Delhi. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday barred star wrestler Vinesh Phogat from participating in the Senior Open Ranking Series competition starting in Gonda from May 10.

The federation has issued him a 15-page show cause notice and made several allegations to indiscipline and doping. With this, his competitive comeback has been postponed for now, almost 20 months after his retirement after the Paris Olympics.

The WFI said that Vinesh will not be eligible to participate in any WFI competition or event till May 26, 2026 due to violation of the provisions to retirement and withdrawal under the rules of United World Wrestling (UWW).

The notice issued by the federation has accused Vinesh of not submitting “whereabouts” information under the UW Anti-Doping Rules 2015, indiscipline and “conduct against the interests of the sport of wrestling and the WFI”.

The charges against Vinesh include disqualification from the Paris Olympics for not making the target weight, anti-doping matters to violation of the WFI Constitution, violation of wearabouts rules and participating in both the 50 kg and 53 kg weight categories in the selection trials held at NIS Patiala on March 11, 2024, which has been said to be in violation of the UWW competition rules.

The federation also referred to the alleged missed dope test conducted on December 18, 2025, which was reported by the International Testing Agency. WFI said, “Wrestling Federation of India has issued a show cause notice to Vinesh Phogat.

“He has been served notice on a number of counts, including violation of United World Wrestling Wearabouts Rules and Article 5.7 of the UWW Anti-Doping Rules 2015, serious indiscipline and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the sport of wrestling and the WFI.”

The federation said, “Based on federation records, public reports, the decision of the Ad-hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dated 14/16 August 2024 and available correspondence, the WFI has prima facie reason to believe that.

“That you have committed acts and omissions that are seriously damaging to the image, reputation and interests of the WFI, the Indian wrestling world and the country and are in violation of the WFI Constitution, the UWW International Wrestling Rules and the National Anti-Doping Rules 2021.”

In the notice, a reply has been sought from Vinesh within 14 days from May 9, 2026 as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against her.

“Based on your letter/email dated December 12, 2025 and available records, your mandatory minimum period of six months has not yet been completed,” the notice said.

Therefore, you will not be eligible to participate in any WFI competitions and events till 26th May 2026. This also includes the Senior Open Ranking Series competition to be held at Nandini Nagar, Gonda from 10th to 12th May and other upcoming national ranking, selection and international competitions.”

This development is being considered a big blow for Vinesh Phogat, who was preparing to make a competitive comeback after retiring after being disqualified despite reaching the women’s 50kg final at the Paris Olympics.