Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Selection Trials

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, allowing her to participate in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials. This decision comes after the Wrestling Federation of India deemed her ineligible. Babita Phogat, a BJP leader and former wrestler, praised the court's ruling, emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial decisions. The court also highlighted the need for maternity rights for female athletes, stating that motherhood should not hinder their professional opportunities. The ruling mandates video recording of the trials and independent oversight, ensuring transparency in the selection process.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 24, 2026, 14:00 IST

BJP Leader Supports Court's Ruling

Babita Phogat, a prominent BJP figure, expressed her approval of the Delhi High Court's ruling permitting Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials set for May 30 and 31. This decision follows the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) earlier declaration of Vinesh's ineligibility for domestic competitions. Babita, who has a background in wrestling, stated that the court's ruling was justified and should be embraced. "I acknowledge the court's decision, which is indeed the correct one. Regardless of the circumstances, the court has made its ruling. We must respect and appreciate the court's decision," Babita remarked.

Delhi HC Overturns WFI's Decision

On Sunday, the Delhi High Court not only allowed Vinesh to participate in the selection trials but also mandated that the trials be recorded on video and supervised by independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

WFI's Concerns About Vinesh

The WFI had issued a show-cause notice to Vinesh on May 9, citing various issues, including her failure to meet the weight requirements during the 2024 Summer Olympics, alleged anti-doping violations, and her participation in two weight categories during Olympic qualifier trials.

Court's Directions on Selection Trials

A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, issued these directives while reviewing Phogat's appeal against a previous interim order from a single judge that denied her interim relief in a writ petition challenging the WFI's selection policy and the show-cause notice.

Maternity Rights of Female Athletes Affirmed

In granting interim relief, the Bench made crucial observations regarding the maternity rights of female athletes. The Court stated that motherhood should not be viewed as a professional hindrance or a reason for negative treatment.

It emphasized that any legal or regulatory framework that disadvantages a female athlete due to pregnancy or post-partum recovery would violate the principles of equality and dignity as outlined in Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The Court acknowledged the unique physical challenges female athletes face during pregnancy and post-partum recovery, which are often overlooked in sports policies. It asserted that motherhood deserves recognition and institutional support, rather than exclusion or marginalization.

WFI's Selection Policy Under Review

Phogat contested the WFI's Asian Games Selection Policy dated February 25, 2026, and a subsequent circular from May 6, 2026, which limited eligibility for selection trials to medalists from specific domestic tournaments held in 2025 and 2026.

According to the order, Phogat had informed the International Testing Agency (ITA) in December 2024 about her maternity leave and her intention to return to competition later. After giving birth in July 2025, she resumed training, and the ITA confirmed her eligibility to compete starting January 1, 2026.

The Court noted that Phogat's maternity-related absence prevented her from participating in the championships that formed the basis for eligibility under the WFI policy, leading to her exclusion from the selection trials. The Bench found the policy and circular to be potentially arbitrary and discriminatory, as they limited participation to medal winners from specific events, thereby excluding athletes like Phogat.

WFI's Remarks Criticized

The Court also criticized the WFI's comments in the show-cause notice regarding the weigh-in controversy for the Paris Olympics 2024, labeling remarks that described the incident as a "national embarrassment" as "deplorable" and suggesting they appeared vindictive, especially since the Court of Arbitration for Sport had previously determined that Phogat had committed no wrongdoing.

However, the Division Bench clarified that it had not made any final judgment on the case's merits and that the pending writ petition before the Single Judge would be resolved independently.