‘Not in best interest of sport’: Delhi HC asks govt to ensure participation in Asian Games trials Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday came down hard on the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring celebrity wrestler Vinesh Phogat “unfit” for domestic competitions and questioned whether the federation changed its rules specifically to target the star wrestler after her maternity break.A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia verbally observed that the federation’s conduct was “not in the best interest of the sport” and directed the Center to constitute an expert panel to assess Phogat’s fitness and eligibility ahead of the upcoming Asian Games selection trials. “Ask experts to assess her chances… Make sure she participates,” the court told the government’s counsel during the hearing.The bench also strongly commented on the attitude of the federation towards the wrestler, stressing that motherhood should never become a disadvantage for the athlete.“She became a mother in July 2025. We are in May. She is a wrestler with an international reputation. Why can’t it be assumed that you changed it (selection criteria) for her?” the court noted orally.“Whatever the dispute or dispute may be, why should the cause of sport suffer? Motherhood is celebrated in the countryside, should it be detrimental to a person?” added.“The deviation from the earlier circular speaks volumes”The court strongly questioned the WFI’s sudden shift from its earlier practice of allowing athletes of good standing to compete despite exceptional circumstances.“The change in the circular speaks volumes. Don’t behave like this. This is not in the best interest of the sport. The deviation from the earlier circular speaks volumes,” the bench observed.Phogat challenged the May 18 decision of a single judge denying her immediate relief to participate in the Asian Games selections scheduled for May 30 and 31.Her lawyer argued that the federation’s May 9 notice — issued just before she attended a domestic event in Gonda — indicated deliberate attempts to keep her out.The court also expressed displeasure at the wording of the notice, which allegedly described her disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a “national disgrace”.The WFI banned Phogat from domestic events until 26 June 2026, citing anti-doping rules mandating a six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement.