Vinesh Phogat vows to fight WFI show-cause notice
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New Delhi: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat vowed defiance after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) hit her with a 15-page show-cause notice, accusing her of indiscipline, anti-doping breaches, and damaging Indian wrestling's reputation—barring her from domestic events until 26 June.
"Life is caught in some deep whirlpool’s midst. The world seeks flaws in my character, persists.. Life has always held your head held high. No sword has the power to make it bow.!!!,," Phogat posted in Hindi on social media, signalling her resolve amid the turmoil.
The WFI claims Phogat failed to serve the mandatory six-month notice for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling (UWW) anti-doping rules. This derails her comeback at the National Open Ranking event in Gonda, starting Sunday—her first competition since the 2024 Paris Olympics disqualification.
The notice cites her Paris controversy as causing "lasting damage" to the sport, plus violations of WFI Constitution, UWW rules, and anti-doping guidelines. The clash adds fresh drama to Indian wrestling's ongoing saga, with Phogat again at its epicentre.
(Inputs from IANS)