Vinesh reaches competition site despite WFI ban in new showdown

GONDA (UTTAR PRADESH): (May 11) Setting up a fresh showdown with the Wrestling Federation of India, Vinesh Phogat insisted Monday she will compete at the National Open Ranking tournament here and not "take sanyaas", in defiance of a ban by the controlling body of the sport.

She told reporters that she has replied to the WFI's show cause notice, and is eligible to return from retirement. The WFI, however, says she cannot compete until disciplinary proceedings against her are complete.

The WFI had declared Vinesh ineligible to participate in domestic events till June 26, 2026, citing the mandatory six-month notice period linked to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping rules.