Vinesh Phogat has been barred from running the 2026 World Cup following an order by the Delhi High Court

Vinesh Phogat’s bid to return to the international wrestling circuit has suffered a setback after the Delhi High Court refused to allow her to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championship.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Thursday dismissed Phogat’s plea for interim relief, ruling that she cannot be granted an exemption from the eligibility conditions set by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The rehearsals are scheduled for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

“To reiterate, the criteria prescribed by the circular dated September 7, 2026 apply uniformly to all athletes. An athlete who for whatever reason did not participate in the prescribed competitions would not fall within the eligibility categories specified by respondent no.1 (WFI),” the court said.

The order does not address the larger question of whether WFI’s policy is valid. The court acknowledged that Phogat’s pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery would have to be considered when examining the policy, but said those circumstances did not automatically warrant an interim exemption.

WHY PHOGAT CHALLENGED THE WFI WAY

Phogat became a mother in July 2025 and subsequently continued to train and compete. Her latest legal challenge centers on the WFI’s September 7 circular setting out the eligibility conditions for trials in the six Olympic weight classes.

The framework includes medal winners from specific competitions, wrestlers participating in the national coaching camp and athletes selected for the 2026 U20 World Cup. Phogat claimed that the system effectively put her out of action as she was unable to participate in several qualifying events during her maternity-related absence.

Phogat is not aiming for automatic selection for the World Cup. She wants an opportunity to enter the trials, with her performance ultimately deciding her place in the Indian team.

She pointed to her participation in the Asian Games selection trials on May 30, where she competed in the 53 kg category, winning a quarter-final match and reaching the semi-finals.

The World Championships are scheduled to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

MATERNITY POLICY REMAINS AT THE CORE OF CONTROVERSY

Phogat’s latest request is part of a wider petition seeking a structured policy for female athletes returning to competition after pregnancy and maternity leave. She sought transparent selection procedures and an alternative mechanism for athletes who miss qualifying competitions due to maternity.

The court also highlighted concerns regarding the individual exemption before deciding the validity of the policy.

“Granting such an injunctive relief to the petitioner alone, without first deciding the policy itself, may subsequently result in unequal treatment of similarly situated athletes who are not in this court,” it said.

Phogat is also challenging the disciplinary proceedings initiated by the WFI and is seeking to quash two show-cause notices issued in May and June. The federation claimed that it was given an opportunity to appear before its disciplinary committee.

For now, the court order excludes Phogat from the September 14 trial. However, her broader challenge to the WFI’s selection framework remains unresolved, keeping alive the debate over how athletes returning from maternity should be accommodated in Indian sport.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

11 Sep 2026 0:11 IST