Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been informed by the International Testing Agency (ITA) about a missed out-of-competition doping test from December 18, 2025. This is her first whereabouts failure in the past 12 months, as reported by news agency PTI.
Details of the Missed Test
In a letter dated May 4, 2026, the ITA stated that the missed test has been recorded after reviewing her explanation submitted on January 19, 2026. The notice refers to an earlier letter sent on January 5, 2026, which had pointed out the missed test and requested her response.
The ITA clarified that this is not an anti-doping violation but a warning under the whereabouts rule. This rule requires athletes to be available for surprise testing without prior notice.
Consequences of Multiple Failures
As per the rules of United World Wrestling (UWW) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), three missed tests or filing failures within a year can lead to an anti-doping violation and a suspension of up to two years.
Circumstances of the Missed Test
The ITA reported that the failed attempt took place on December 18, 2025, when a Doping Control Officer (DCO) could not locate Vinesh during her scheduled 60-minute testing window. Under the rules, athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) must provide a one-hour daily slot between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. for testing.
The agency noted that Vinesh was attending the first winter session of the Haryana Assembly on that day. She had traveled from Bengaluru to Chandigarh, which affected her schedule. Additionally, she had recently given birth to a child. During the visit, she informed the DCO that she was in Chandigarh for meetings.
However, the ITA stated that she did not update her whereabouts details in time after the change in plan. Athletes are required to update their details “as soon as possible” after any change, and before the one-hour testing window begins.
The agency added that she did not use other options such as SMS, email, or the mobile app to update 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 said, confirming that the missed test will be recorded.
Next Steps for Vinesh
The ITA confirmed that this is her first whereabouts failure in a 12-month period. Vinesh has seven days from May 4 to request an administrative review if she believes the missed test was not due to negligence. If she does not do so, the decision will become final.
This development comes months after she announced her return to wrestling in December 2025, following a break after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being overweight.
