Wrestler Vinesh Phogat is in the news once again after she was flagged for skipping a dope test by the International Testing Agency (ITA), based out of Lausanne. The ITA notified the Indian wrestler for missing an out-of-competition test dated December 18, 2025, marking her first whereabouts failure in the last 12 months.
In a communication dated May 4, 2026, the ITA informed Vinesh that the missed test has been formally recorded following a review of her explanation submitted on January 19, 2026. The notice referred to an earlier correspondence sent on January 5, 2026, which had flagged the apparent missed test and sought her response.
The notice is not an anti-doping violation but serves as a warning under the whereabouts clause, which is designed to ensure athletes remain available for surprise testing at all times.
Under rules framed by United World Wrestling (UWW) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), any combination of three missed tests and/or filing failures within a year constitutes an anti-doping rule violation and can attract a suspension of up to two years.
WHY DID VINESH NOT GIVE DOPE TEST?
The ITA said the unsuccessful attempt occurred on December 18, 2025, when a Doping Control Officer (DCO) could not locate Vinesh during her designated 60-minute testing window. Under anti-doping rules, athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) must specify a daily one-hour slot between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. during which they are available for no-notice testing.
Explaining the circumstances, the ITA acknowledged that Vinesh was attending the first winter session of the Haryana Assembly on that day. She had travelled from Bengaluru to Chandigarh, disrupting her routine. The agency also noted that she had recently welcomed a child, adding to her personal responsibilities. During the testing attempt, Vinesh reportedly cooperated and informed the DCO that she was in Chandigarh for meetings.
However, the ITA ruled that she failed to update her whereabouts information in time despite the change in schedule. It pointed out that athletes are required to update their filings “as soon as possible” after any change, and in any case before the specified 60-minute slot. The agency added that Vinesh did not use alternative methods such as SMS, email or mobile application to revise her location on or before December 18.
“In light of the above, the ITA finds that you were unable to establish that no negligent behaviour on your part caused or contributed to your failure,” the notice stated, concluding that the missed test would be recorded. The ITA clarified that this was Vinesh’s first recorded whereabouts failure in a 12-month period.
Vinesh has been given seven days from the date of the letter – May 4 – to request an administrative review if she believes the missed test was not due to negligence. Failing that, the decision will become final.
The development comes only days after Vinesh accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of attempting to block her entry in the National Open Ranking tournament and expressed concerns over potential bias in officiating. WFI president Sanjay Singh assured the Olympian of safety and a fair opportunity to compete.
She had announced her comeback to competitive wrestling in December 2025 following her retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being overweight. She subsequently re-registered in the RTP, a pool reserved for elite athletes subject to stringent out-of-competition testing requirements.
VINESH ACCUSSES BRIJ BHUSHAN OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat publicly identified herself as one of the six female wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, marking a significant escalation in the long-running controversy surrounding Indian wrestling.
In a video message shared on May 3, Vinesh said she was compelled to reveal her identity despite legal norms protecting victims’ anonymity, citing what she described as attempts to derail her comeback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. She confirmed that she is among the complainants in the ongoing criminal case, where testimonies are still being recorded.
Vinesh also raised concerns over the WFI’s decision to conduct ranking tournaments and trials in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as Singh’s stronghold. She alleged that hosting events at a venue linked to the former chief would compromise fairness and create an intimidating environment for athletes, especially those who have accused him. She further claimed that despite his formal exit, Singh continues to exert influence over the federation’s functioning.
The wrestler, who has been attempting a return after a prolonged break following the Paris Olympics cycle, questioned whether she would be able to compete freely under such conditions. She said performing in an environment connected to her alleged harasser would make it difficult to give her best.
The allegations against Singh first triggered nationwide protests in 2023, when several top wrestlers staged demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding action. While one case involving a minor was later dropped, Singh continues to face charges of sexual harassment and stalking in the case filed by six adult wrestlers, including Vinesh.
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