Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Faces NADA Notice for Whereabouts Failure

Wrestler and recently turned politician Vinesh Phogat has been served a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for a whereabouts failure. She missed a dope test scheduled at her home and has 14 days to respond. This incident follows her recent political activities and retirement from wrestling.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) served a notice to wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat for whereabouts failure on Wednesday, demanding an explanation within 14 days.

Athletes in NADA's Registered Testing Pool (RTP), which includes Phogat, must provide availability details for dope tests. Not being available at the specified location is considered a whereabouts failure.

According to NADA, Phogat was unavailable for a scheduled dope test at her home in Kharkhoda village on September 9. The notice stated, "A Dope Control Officer (DCO) was sent to test you... However, he was unable to locate you." Phogat must accept the failure or provide evidence of her presence at the designated location.

This comes in the wake of Phogat's retirement post-Paris Olympics and her entry into politics along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. Both recently joined the Congress party, with Phogat contesting the Haryana Assembly election from Julana constituency and engaging in active campaigning.

Notably, one whereabouts failure does not immediately result in an anti-doping rule violation; three such failures within a 12-month period are required for a formal charge.

(With inputs from agencies.)