NADA Serves Notice to Wrestler-Turned-Politician Vinesh Phogat for Whereabouts Failure

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has issued a notice to wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat for a whereabouts failure. Vinesh, who recently joined the Congress party and is contesting the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections from the Julana constituency, has been given 14 days to provide an explanation.

All athletes registered with NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP) are required to provide accurate details about their availability for doping tests. Failure to be available at the specified time and place is classified as a “whereabouts failure.” On September 9, a NADA Dope Control Officer (DCO) arrived at Vinesh’s residence in Kharkhoda village, Sonepat, for a routine test, but the officer was unable to locate her. NADA has now formally requested that she either accept the whereabouts failure or provide evidence proving her presence during the 60-minute window.

This notice is significant, but one whereabouts failure does not automatically lead to a doping rule violation. For NADA to charge an athlete with a violation, there must be three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period, whether due to filing inaccuracies or missed tests.

Vinesh Phogat had earlier announced her retirement from wrestling after a disappointing Paris Olympics campaign, where she was disqualified ahead of the gold-medal match for being overweight. Her transition from sports to politics has seen her focus shift to campaigning in Haryana, making her absence at her home understandable. However, NADA’s rules require strict compliance with testing availability.

With her political career in the spotlight, this notice adds another layer of scrutiny to Vinesh’s public life. Her team will likely provide clarification soon, given the sensitivity of anti-doping regulations.

As Vinesh Phogat continues to build her career in politics, her commitment to following anti-doping procedures will remain important in maintaining her legacy both as an athlete and a public figure.