Delhi High Court to Decide on Vinesh Phogat's Participation in Wrestling Trials

Court Reviews Vinesh Phogat's Eligibility for Wrestling Trials

The Delhi High Court convened on Wednesday to deliberate on whether wrestler Vinesh Phogat should be allowed to compete in the upcoming selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship. The court also took into account her plea to postpone any final decisions regarding the disciplinary actions initiated against her until the case is fully reviewed.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma instructed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to provide clarity on both matters and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday. This session was prompted by two applications submitted by Phogat in her ongoing dispute with the WFI.

In her first application, Phogat requested an expedited hearing for her petition that contests the disciplinary measures taken against her, which stem from allegations of misconduct, indiscipline, and breaches of anti-doping rules during the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.

Her second application challenges a circular issued by the WFI on September 7, which outlines the eligibility requirements for the upcoming trials for the Senior World Wrestling Championship.

The trials are set to take place on September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, aiming to select the Indian team for the World Championship scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

According to the WFI's circular, eligibility is limited to specific medalists from designated national tournaments, wrestlers who have attended the National Coaching Camp, and those selected for the 2026 U20 World Wrestling Championship.

Phogat has argued that she does not meet any of the criteria outlined in the circular, thus preventing her from participating in the trials.

During the proceedings, her attorney Rajshekhar Rao noted that although the court had previously set September 29 for a hearing regarding the disciplinary actions, the WFI later issued a notice for a hearing on September 9, labeling it as her final chance.

Rao stated that Phogat is willing to engage in the proceedings but requested that the disciplinary committee refrain from issuing a final ruling at this time.

He further emphasized that the September 7 circular effectively disqualified Phogat from the selection trials.

“My maternity should not hinder my eligibility to compete. I am not seeking any undue advantage,” Rao asserted.

Phogat has maintained that her absence from certain competitions, which are now part of the eligibility criteria, was due to her maternity leave and the time needed for recovery.

The application also references a previous ruling by the Delhi High Court that allowed Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials, highlighting the court's concerns about how restrictive eligibility rules can affect athletes who take breaks for maternity reasons.

The WFI opposed Phogat's requests, arguing that she had been given multiple chances to appear before the disciplinary committee. The federation's representative noted that she did not attend the hearing on September 2, citing her ongoing writ petition.

Phogat is seeking interim relief to ensure her participation in the September 14 trials and protection against any final decisions in the disciplinary proceedings for the time being. The case will be reviewed by the Delhi High Court on Thursday.