Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat has been served a notice by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for a whereabouts failure. The notice comes amidst her busy political campaign for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Vinesh, who recently retired from wrestling after a disappointing Paris Olympics campaign, is required to provide details about her availability for dope tests, as per the NADA’s regulations. She is now required to respond to the notice within 14 days.
India’s medal hopes for the upcoming Paris Games have been dealt a significant blow as World Championships bronze medallist Parveen Hooda faces a potential suspension that could jeopardize her Olympic quota. WADA has provisionally suspended Hooda for 18 months due to three Whereabouts Failures within a year. The Indian Boxing Federation is desperately trying to overturn the suspension or reduce it to one year, but there is no precedent for such a sanction to be completely overturned. Hooda’s absence will likely result in India losing the 57kg berth, with 60kg pugilist Jaismine Lamboria stepping up to compete in the World Olympic Qualifiers.
