New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly questioned the decision of the Wrestling Federation of India to bar Vinesh Phogat from participating in domestic competitions, observing that the federation’s approach appeared unfair towards an athlete of international standing.
Hearing Phogat’s appeal against a single judge order denying interim relief, a bench headed by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the Centre to constitute an expert panel to assess the wrestler’s fitness and facilitate her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.
Phogat, who is attempting a return to competitive wrestling after taking a maternity break, has challenged the WFI’s decision declaring her ineligible for the May 30 and 31 selection trials. During the hearing, the court repeatedly questioned why the federation could not make exceptions for a decorated athlete returning after motherhood.
The bench remarked that motherhood is celebrated in society and should not become a disadvantage for a sportsperson. The judges also observed that the federation’s recent changes in selection criteria appeared inconsistent with its earlier practice of accommodating accomplished athletes.
The court further criticised the language used by the federation in a show cause notice issued to Phogat, particularly references to her disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a “national shame.” The bench questioned whether the rules had been altered specifically to target her.
Government counsel informed the court that regulations of the Sports Authority of India allow relaxation of eligibility conditions in deserving cases. Following this, the bench orally directed authorities to ensure that Phogat is allowed to participate after evaluation by experts.
Under current WFI regulations, athletes returning from retirement must complete a mandatory six month notice period linked to anti doping requirements. Based on this rule, Phogat has been barred from competing until June 2026, although she recently participated in a domestic tournament in Gonda.
Phogat remains one of India’s most prominent wrestlers and was also among the leading faces of the 2023 protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.
