The Wrestling Federation of India has taken its case to the Supreme Court, contesting the Delhi High Court’s ruling allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to join the Asian Games 2026 selection trials. The Supreme Court is set to hear the Special Leave Petition filed by WFI, as per information on the court’s official website. The petition questions the Delhi High Court’s decision that permitted Phogat, a three-time Olympian, to participate in the trials despite not meeting WFI’s eligibility criteria.
The Delhi High Court, in a recent order, emphasized that motherhood should not be a barrier to professional opportunities and directed WFI to let Phogat compete in the selection trials. The court noted that WFI’s selection policy did not consider Phogat’s maternity-related break and recovery period, which coincided with the required qualifying tournaments. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia highlighted the importance of accommodating motherhood sensitively in professional sports.
The court also mandated that the selection trials be recorded on video and overseen by independent observers appointed by the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association. Phogat’s participation is contingent upon the outcome of a pending writ petition challenging WFI’s selection policy. The Delhi High Court criticized WFI’s show-cause notice to Phogat, labeling certain comments as “deplorable” and reflecting a “vindictive” attitude.
Advocate Aman Varma, representing Phogat, has filed a caveat to ensure a fair hearing before any unilateral decisions are made in the case.
