The Delhi High Court has allowed celebrated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 selection trials, delivering a major setback to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
In a significant order passed on Friday, the High Court strongly criticised the federation’s selection policy, calling it “exclusionary” and unfair toward athletes returning after maternity leave.
Delhi High Court Permits Vinesh Phogat in Selection Trials
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed that Vinesh Phogat must be allowed to participate in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and May 31, 2026.
“The appellant shall be permitted to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games, 2026,” the court stated in its official order.
To ensure complete transparency, the court also instructed the WFI to video-record the entire trial process. Additionally, independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will be present during the trials.
Court Slams WFI’s Selection Policy
The Delhi High Court raised serious concerns over the WFI’s handling of the matter and criticised the federation for not considering athletes returning after maternity breaks.
“The policy and the circular are clearly exclusionary in nature,” the court observed, adding that the rules failed to provide flexibility for “iconic players” like Vinesh Phogat.
The bench also noted that the show-cause notice issued against the wrestler appeared to reopen previously settled matters and questioned the fairness of the federation’s approach.
According to the court, allowing Phogat to compete was necessary “in the interest of the sport and justice.”
“Motherhood Should Not Become a Disadvantage”
During the hearing, the High Court made strong observations regarding the treatment of women athletes after childbirth. The judges emphasised that motherhood should never become a reason to deny opportunities to sportspersons.
“Motherhood is celebrated in the country, should it come to the detriment of a person?” the court orally remarked while questioning the federation’s stance.
The bench also criticised the timing of the revised selection criteria and suggested that the changes appeared targeted.
“Whatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of sports suffer?” the court asked, warning the federation against acting with “vengeance.”
Vinesh Phogat Challenged WFI Ban
Vinesh Phogat had approached the High Court after the WFI declared her ineligible for domestic competitions until June 26, 2026. The federation cited anti-doping rules requiring a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement.
The wrestler challenged the decision, arguing that the rules were being unfairly applied in her case.
Earlier, a single-judge bench had denied her immediate relief on May 18, prompting her to file an appeal before the division bench.
Vinesh Phogat’s Recent Career Struggles
Vinesh Phogat has remained one of India’s most recognised wrestlers despite facing multiple challenges in recent years.
At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, she was heartbreakingly disqualified from the women’s 50-kg final after being found 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in.
She was also among the leading faces of the 2023 wrestlers’ protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.
Major Relief for Indian Wrestling Star
The High Court’s decision is being viewed as a major victory for Vinesh Phogat and a strong message regarding fairness, transparency, and equal treatment in Indian sports administration.
With the Asian Games selection trials now open to her, all eyes will be on whether the star wrestler can make a successful return to competitive wrestling on the international stage.
