Gonda, India - Wrestler Vinesh Phogat sought to clear the air over her eligibility status, asserting that both the International Testing Agency and the World Anti-Doping Agency had cleared her to resume competition from January 1, 2026.
The Wrestling Federation of India has declared her ineligible under WADA's Rule 5.6.1 relating to retired athletes returning to competition.
Vinesh said she had only missed one whereabouts filing and had never committed any anti-doping violation.
She revealed that she had undergone doping tests even after being cleared and had returned negative results.
Vinesh maintained that she was only seeking a fair opportunity to compete and prove herself on the mat.
The WFI issued a statement, saying that Vinesh Phogat was provided full security and was informed about her ineligibility to participate, as per the rules and procedures in place.
