Delhi High Court Urges WFI to Support Women Athletes Post-Maternity Leave

Court's Directive on Women's Participation in Sports

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court emphasized the need for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to establish guidelines that would enable women athletes to return to competitive sports after taking maternity leave. The Court highlighted the importance of balancing the interests of both the nation and the athletes.

Vinesh Phogat's Plea for Selection Trials

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made these remarks while addressing a plea from Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who is seeking permission to compete in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships, set for September 14. After hearing arguments from both parties, the Bench reserved its decision on Phogat's request.

Claims of Arbitrary Selection Criteria

Phogat's Senior Advocate, Rajshekhar Rao, argued that the WFI's actions were marked by 'absolute arbitrariness,' noting that Phogat was only informed of the selection criteria on September 7. Rao contended that these criteria effectively excluded Phogat from the selection process after her maternity leave, stating, 'This means I am out of reckoning for two more years and I am finished as an athlete.'

WFI's Defense Against Exclusion Claims

In response, the WFI's counsel asserted that Phogat had not been barred from competing. They clarified that she could still participate at both state and national levels and advance through the selection process. The federation also indicated that medalists from specific competitions in 2025 and 2026 would qualify for this year's World Championship.

Court's Concerns for Female Athletes

Justice Sharma expressed concerns regarding the existing system, which poses challenges for women athletes who take breaks for maternity. The Court noted that while female athletes may be sidelined during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, their male counterparts can continue to compete and earn medals, potentially fulfilling eligibility requirements.

Need for Fair Guidelines

The Bench suggested the establishment of mechanisms to address these disparities, warning that the current situation could be unjust for women athletes. Justice Sharma drew parallels to similar issues faced by women in the legal field when returning to work after childbirth, advocating for guidelines that would balance national interests with those of individual athletes.

Background of the Challenge

Phogat's plea stems from a WFI circular issued on September 7, which outlined eligibility criteria for the upcoming selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. These trials are scheduled to occur at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, with the championship taking place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

Phogat's Ongoing Legal Battle

Phogat has contested the selection framework, arguing that it hampers her ability to re-enter the competitive scene following her maternity leave. She claims that her absence from certain qualifying events was due to her pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. Meanwhile, the WFI maintains that the selection criteria apply to all wrestlers and that Phogat is free to compete in state and national events to navigate the selection process.

Additional Legal Proceedings

The Court is also reviewing Phogat's request for an expedited hearing regarding disciplinary actions taken against her, which include show-cause notices related to alleged indiscipline, anti-doping violations, and misconduct during the 2026 Asian Games selection trials. Phogat seeks relief from exclusion in the upcoming trials and requests that her maternity-related absence not be considered a disqualification.