Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat has received a show cause notice from the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for whereabouts failure. Vinesh has been asked to reply within 14 days after the receipt of the notice, a copy of which has been obtained by this newspaper. Vinesh was one of those who retired recently after getting disqualified from the Olympics in Paris. Being part of NADA’s Registered Testing Pool (RTP), it warrants informing the agency of her whereabouts at a particular time if she is asked to endure a dope test.

Whereabouts Failure Explained

NADA informed Vinesh that she was not available for a dope test on September 9 at her residence in Kharkhoda village, Sonepat. Athletes who provide their whereabouts details but are not available at the specified location and time face a whereabouts failure. According to NADA’s rules, three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period can lead to an anti-doping violation charge.

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Vinesh’s Retirement and Political Campaign

Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, where she was set to compete in the 50kg category but was disqualified for being 100gm overweight before her gold-medal bout. The 29-year-old shared her decision to retire via social media, citing a lack of strength to continue the sport.

Recently, Vinesh, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, joined the Congress party. She is now campaigning for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, contesting from the Julana constituency.

NADA’s Notice and Vinesh’s Response

The NADA notice requires Vinesh to either accept the whereabouts failure or provide evidence proving she was present at the specified location for the required 60 minutes. The notice further explained, “A Dope Control Officer (DCO) was sent to test you… However, he was unable to locate you for testing as you were not available at the given location.”

It is important to note that one whereabouts failure does not constitute an anti-doping rule violation; three such failures within a year would be required for NADA to pursue action against the athlete.

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