Barred from competitions by the WFI, wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Monday sought to clear the air over her eligibility standing, asserting that each the Worldwide Testing Company (ITA) and the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) had cleared her to renew competitors from January 1, 2026. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has declared her ineligible beneath WADA’s Rule 5.6.1 referring to retired athletes returning to competitors.
The previous World Championships medallist arrived right here for the Nationwide Open Rating Event, and met WFI president Sanjay Singh after the federation refused to permit her participation, sustaining that disciplinary proceedings towards her have been nonetheless pending.
Vinesh mentioned she had solely missed one whereabouts submitting and had by no means dedicated any anti-doping violation.
“If I had violated any rule, then NADA India would have given me a show-cause discover. Or they might have banned me. Or WADA would have given me a show-cause discover,” she informed reporters after the assembly.
“I had missed one whereabouts. And there are three of them. I had develop into a mom at the moment. I had an meeting session. I forgot to replace. I even apologised to WADA for that. They gave me a clear chit. They informed me that I can take part in any worldwide occasion,” she mentioned.
Vinesh mentioned she had knowledgeable WADA concerning the circumstances and was subsequently cleared to compete.
The WFI, nonetheless, had cited WADA’s rule 5.6.1, which offers with situations for retired athletes returning to competitors, to declare her ineligible for home occasions until June 26, 2026.
Questioning the federation’s stand, Vinesh mentioned worldwide authorities had already accepted her eligibility.
“And right here they’re saying that they don’t seem to be glad with something. If I can take part internationally, then you can even be glad with the Worldwide Federation that I can play,” she mentioned.
She later posted a letter from ITA on her ‘X’ web page, revealing that on July 3, 2025 an official conveyed an apology declaring that she will be able to resume competitions from January 1, 2026.
ITA manages anti-doping programme of United World Wrestling (UWW), the worldwide physique for the game. The wrestler additional revealed that she had undergone doping exams even after being cleared and had returned adverse outcomes.
“Even after that, I received my doping take a look at completed twice. It isn’t like I got here to the competitors after avoiding my doping take a look at. I received my doping take a look at and got here clear.” “I’ve at all times been clear in sports activities. And I’m not taking anybody’s proper. I’m utterly clear,” she asserted.
Vinesh maintained that she was solely in search of a good alternative to compete and show herself on the mat.
“I need a honest likelihood for myself. Individuals have been saying earlier (throughout protest at jantar mantar) that they do not wish to give a trial. I’m nonetheless saying the identical factor.
“After giving a trial, whoever is greatest in India, let or not it’s selected the mat. If you happen to do not even permit me to get on the mat, then how will or not it’s determined who has labored tougher,” she mentioned.
WFI issued a statament, saying that “Vinesh Phogat was supplied full safety from the second she arrived.” “As witnessed by everybody current, she met the officers and was knowledgeable about her ineligibility to take part, as per the foundations and procedures in place. She freely interacted with the media and was not stopped or interrupted wherever, following this, she left the venue peacefully.
“WFI treats each participant equally, and participant welfare and safety stay our highest priorities. From her arrival in Gonda to her departure from the venue, full safety and assist have been prolonged to her at each step,” the WFI assertion mentioned.
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