Retired Vinesh Phogat Receives Notice from Anti-Doping Agency, Action Unlikely
The NADA notice reads, “You are hereby given a formal notice regarding your failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements.”
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who retired last month, received a whereabouts failure notice. This followed an anti-doping check when officials couldn’t find her at her reported location during a recent sample collection.
On September 9, National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) officials visited Vinesh’s home in Kharkhoda, Haryana. Unfortunately, she was not available to provide her sample. As a result, NADA issued her a notice, requiring an explanation within 14 days.
This marks Vinesh’s first notice for alleged whereabouts failure. Even if she acknowledges this failure, she is unlikely to face sanctions. Anti-doping rules state that an athlete must have three whereabouts failures within 12 months for NADA to impose charges.
The NADA notice reads, “You are hereby given a formal notice regarding your failure to comply with the whereabouts requirements.” It adds that a Dope Control Officer (DCO) attempted to test her but could not find her at the designated location.
Vinesh announced her retirement after the Paris Olympics, where she reached the finals of the 50 kg freestyle but was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. Despite retiring, she remains on NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP). Thus, she must provide details about her availability for doping tests.
Vinesh was among the three wrestlers protesting against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. While Sakshi Malik retired last year during the protests, Bajrang Punia also faces anti-doping issues for allegedly declining to provide a sample.
Recently, Vinesh and Bajrang joined the Congress Party. Vinesh is contesting in the Haryana Assembly election from the Julana constituency. Voting is set for October 5, with results expected on October 8.
