The Supreme Court declined to stop the Delhi High Court’s decision allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to join the Asian Games 2026 selection trials. Phogat is permitted to participate in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31 as the court examines the Wrestling Federation of India’s challenge to the relief granted to her.
The apex court granted permission for Phogat to take part in the selection trials and stated that it would address broader issues raised in the Wrestling Federation of India’s plea later on. During the hearing, concerns were raised about Phogat’s compliance with anti-doping obligations and her failure to inform authorities of her whereabouts as required.
The Supreme Court raised objections to certain remarks made by the Delhi High Court regarding the Wrestling Federation of India’s eligibility framework. While questioning the basis of these observations, the court noted that the selection policy was uniformly applicable to all athletes. Despite this, the court allowed Phogat to participate in the trials based on the Delhi High Court’s directions.
The Wrestling Federation of India had challenged the Delhi High Court’s decision allowing Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 trials despite not meeting the eligibility criteria. The High Court had emphasized that motherhood should not be a barrier to professional opportunities and criticized the federation’s policy for not considering Phogat’s maternity-related break during qualifying events.
