Vinesh Phogat cleared for Asian Games trials as Delhi HC calls WFI policy unfair

Vinesh Phogat (ANI Photo) The Delhi High Court has cleared the way for India’s famous wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the upcoming Asian Games selections, observing that the current selection policy of the Wrestling Federation of India unfairly excludes elite athletes returning after maternity breaks. A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia ordered that Phogat must be allowed to attend the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31. The court also directed the Wrestling Federation of India to videotape the entire selection process, while independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association will oversee the proceedings. “The appellant will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection process scheduled for 30.05.2026 and 31.05.2026,” the court said in its order dated May 22, which was recorded on Saturday. The bench also strongly criticized the WFI’s existing policy, saying it lacked flexibility for athletes like Phogat who took time away from sports for maternity leave. “The policy and circular are clearly exclusionary in nature as they do not give any latitude to respondent no.1 (WFI) to consider iconic players like the appellant in view of the sabbatical taken in connection with her maternity leave,” the court said. The judges further noted that the reasons given in the show cause notice issued to Phogat appeared to be “preliminary” and led to the reopening of matters that had already been settled. The court emphasized the importance of fairness, noting that allowing her participation was necessary “in the interest of sport and justice”. The order came after Phogat challenged the May 18 decision of a single judge panel that had earlier denied her immediate interim relief to attend the trials. Phogat, one of India’s most decorated female wrestlers, last made headlines during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics where she was heartbreakingly disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final after she was found 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in ahead of the gold medal match.