Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Faces Consequences for Missing Dope Test
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat is making headlines again after being flagged for missing a dope test by the International Testing Agency (ITA), which is based in Lausanne. The ITA alerted the Indian athlete about missing an out-of-competition test scheduled for December 18, 2025, marking her first missed test in the last year.
On May 4, 2026, the ITA formally informed Vinesh that her missed test had been recorded after reviewing her explanation submitted on January 19, 2026. This followed a prior communication sent on January 5, which initially pointed out the missed test and asked for her response.
Although this is not an anti-doping violation, it serves as a warning regarding her availability for testing at any time.
According to the guidelines set by United World Wrestling (UWW) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), accumulating three missed tests or failures to provide whereabouts in a year can result in an anti-doping rule violation, possibly leading to a suspension of up to two years.
Reasons for Missed Test
The ITA explained that the test on December 18, 2025, was unsuccessful because a Doping Control Officer (DCO) could not find Vinesh during her assigned 60-minute window for testing. Athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) must designate a daily one-hour slot, between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., when they are available for unannounced tests.
On that day, Vinesh was attending her first winter session of the Haryana Assembly in Chandigarh after traveling from Bengaluru, which altered her schedule. The agency also highlighted that she had recently had a baby, adding to her responsibilities. During the testing attempt, Vinesh cooperated and informed the DCO about her meetings in Chandigarh.
However, the ITA noted that she did not update her whereabouts information in time, even though circumstances had changed. Athletes are expected to make updates “as soon as possible” after any schedule change, especially before their allocated testing time. The agency pointed out that Vinesh did not utilize options like SMS, email, or mobile apps to inform her location before the testing day.
Due to this, the ITA concluded that Vinesh could not demonstrate she acted without negligence. As a result, her missed test will be officially recorded. This is the first such failure for her in a 12-month span.
Vinesh has seven days from the date of the letter, May 4, to request a review if she believes the missed test was not her fault. Otherwise, the decision will stand.
This news comes shortly after Vinesh accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) of trying to hinder her participation in the National Open Ranking tournament. WFI president Sanjay Singh has promised her a safe and fair chance to compete.
Vinesh Speaks Out Against Harassment
In a related matter, Vinesh Phogat has identified herself as one of the six female wrestlers who have accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. This disclosure marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy in Indian wrestling.
In a video shared on May 3, Vinesh explained that she felt compelled to reveal her identity, despite legal protections for victims, due to attempts to undermine her comeback ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. She is part of a criminal case where testimonies are currently being recorded.
Vinesh also expressed her concerns about the WFI’s decision to hold ranking tournaments in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, which she described as Singh’s territory. She fears that competing at a venue linked to her alleged harasser could compromise fairness and create tension for athletes who have accused him. She believes that, despite Singh’s formal departure, he still holds sway over the federation’s operations.
As Vinesh seeks to return to competitive wrestling after a break following the Paris Olympics, she is worried about her ability to compete freely in such an environment. She stated that performing where her alleged harasser has influence would hinder her performance.
The allegations against Singh ignited nationwide protests in 2023, prompting several prominent wrestlers to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding justice. While one case involving a minor was eventually dropped, Singh still faces charges of sexual harassment and stalking in cases brought by six adult wrestlers, including Vinesh.
