Vinesh Phogat flagged for missing doping test ahead of return match

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has informed that wrestler Vinesh Phogat has missed an out-of-competition doping test since December 18, 2025. This is the first time her whereabouts have failed in the past 12 months, news agency PTI reported.The ITA, in a letter dated May 4, 2026, said that after reviewing the explanation submitted by her on January 19, 2026, the absentee test had been recorded.The notice refers to an earlier letter sent on January 5, 2026, which identified her missed tests and asked her to respond.The ITA clarified that this was not an anti-doping violation, but a warning under whereabouts rules. The rule requires athletes to be available for unannounced testing.According to the World Wrestling Federation (UWW) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), three missed tests or failed submissions within a year can result in an anti-doping violation and a ban of up to two years.The ITA said the failed attempt occurred on December 18, 2025, when the Doping Control Officer (DCO) could not find Vinesh within the scheduled 60-minute test window.As per the rules, athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) must allow one hour between 6am and 11pm every day for testing without prior notice.The agency said Vinesh was attending the first winter session of the Haryana Assembly that day. She was flying from Bangalore to Chandigarh, which affected her schedule. It also noted that she had recently given birth to a child. During the visit, she informed the DCO that she was attending a meeting in Chandigarh.However, ITA said she did not promptly update her whereabouts details after the change of plans.It said athletes must update their details “as soon as possible” after any changes and before the one-hour testing window.The agency added that she did not update her location using other means such as text messages, emails or mobile apps on or before December 18.“In view of the circumstances set out above, the ITA considers that you have been unable to prove that your negligent conduct did not cause or contribute to your failure,” the notice said. The notice confirmed that the missed test will be recorded.The ITA said this was the first time in 12 months that her whereabouts had failed.If Vinesh believes the missed test was not due to negligence, she has seven days from May 4 to request an administrative review. If she fails to do so, the decision becomes final.She announced her return to wrestling in December 2025 after withdrawing from the 2024 Paris Olympics a few months ago after being disqualified from the women’s 50kg final due to being overweight.