Supreme Court Permits Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Selection Trials

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of grappler Vinesh Phogat, allowing her to compete in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. This decision comes after a legal challenge from the Wrestling Federation of India, which questioned her eligibility due to missed doping tests. The court acknowledged Phogat's achievements while expressing concerns about the implications of her participation on national sports integrity. The trials are set for May 30-31, with measures in place to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process. Read on to discover more about this significant ruling and its impact on Indian wrestling.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 02:08 IST

Supreme Court Decision on Vinesh Phogat's Participation

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted permission for grappler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled for May 30 and 31.

A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe made this ruling while addressing a petition from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which contested a Delhi High Court decision that allowed Phogat to compete in the trials.

“We are not preventing you. Go ahead and participate,” the court stated, declining to suspend the high court's ruling. “At this point, the high court's order has raised hopes and expectations. It would be inappropriate to send her back home without action,” Justice Narasimha remarked to the WFI's legal representative.

Despite this, the Supreme Court voiced concerns regarding the Delhi High Court's decision to permit Phogat's participation, indicating, “We have some reservations,” while recognizing her accomplishments on the international stage.

“You are an outstanding wrestler… you have brought pride to the nation, but the country comes first. The high court cannot disrupt the entire schedule,” Justice Narasimha emphasized, scheduling the matter for further discussion next week. This ruling followed a petition from the WFI challenging the high court's May 22 decision.

Phogat had taken a break in December 2024, announcing her return in August 2025. However, after becoming a mother in July 2025, she informed the WFI of her eligibility starting January 1, 2026, as noted by the Supreme Court.

Nonetheless, she missed a doping test in January, and the International Testing Agency (ITA) did not accept her explanation regarding her absence due to her duties as an MLA in Haryana, the bench highlighted.

“The concern arises from the missed ITA test, which has significant implications since Indian sports are closely linked to global standards. If any disqualification occurs internationally, it reflects poorly on India. You failed to provide your whereabouts for the doping test and missed the initial test,” the court pointed out.

A Division Bench of the high court had previously allowed Phogat to participate in the upcoming trials, stating that the WFI's selection policy was exclusionary and lacked the flexibility to accommodate a player like her returning from maternity leave.

Labeling Phogat as an “iconic athlete,” the high court asserted that she deserved a fair chance to compete and mandated her inclusion in the trials set for May 30-31.

The high court also instructed the WFI to record the trials on video to ensure transparency in the selection process, with independent observers from both the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) present.

However, the WFI argued that selection procedures must adhere strictly to established criteria to ensure fairness and consistency, noting that a list of potential players had already been submitted to the international wrestling authority.