Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat received major relief after the Delhi High Court allowed her to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2026 selection trials. The court also sharply criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over its selection policy and handling of the wrestler’s case.
The decision came after Vinesh Phogat challenged the federation’s order that declared her ineligible for domestic wrestling events until June 2026.
Delhi High Court Questions WFI Rules
A bench led by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the WFI to permit Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The court observed that the federation’s policy appeared unfair toward athletes returning after maternity leave and stated that the rules were “exclusionary in nature.”
According to the order, the WFI must also ensure transparency during the trials by video-recording the entire process. Independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will remain present during the selection process.
Court Says Motherhood Should Not Hurt Athletes
During the hearing, the Delhi High Court made strong remarks about the treatment of women athletes after childbirth.
The judges questioned why motherhood should become a disadvantage for a sportsperson and criticised the federation for changing its selection criteria in a way that appeared to negatively impact Phogat.
“Motherhood is celebrated in the country. Should it come to the detriment of a person?” the bench remarked while hearing the matter.
The court also stated that sports should not suffer because of internal disputes or personal differences.
Why Was Vinesh Phogat Declared Ineligible?
The WFI had ruled that Vinesh Phogat could not participate in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026. The federation cited anti-doping regulations that require wrestlers returning from retirement to provide a mandatory six-month notice period.
Phogat challenged the decision in court, arguing that the rules were unfairly being applied in her case.
The latest order overturned an earlier decision by a single-judge bench that had refused immediate relief to the wrestler.
Vinesh Phogat’s Journey and Challenges
Vinesh Phogat remains one of India’s most popular wrestlers and has represented the country at multiple international tournaments.
She faced a heartbreaking setback during the 2024 Summer Olympics after being disqualified from the women’s 50-kg final for being slightly overweight during the official weigh-in.
Phogat was also among the prominent wrestlers who protested against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023 over allegations of sexual harassment.
Big Boost Ahead of Asian Games 2026
The Delhi High Court’s ruling is being seen as an important victory for athletes’ rights and gender equality in Indian sports.
With permission now granted to compete in the trials, Vinesh Phogat has another opportunity to return to international wrestling and strengthen her chances of representing India at the Asian Games 2026.
