Delhi High Court Permits Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Trials

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, allowing her to compete in the upcoming trials for the 2026 Asian Games. Despite this victory, Vinesh faces hurdles as her name was not included in the long list submitted for selection. Even if she wins her trial, her participation remains uncertain. The court's decision highlights the need for more inclusive policies in sports. There is still a possibility for her to be added to the roster as a special case if she performs well in the trials. Read on to discover the implications of this ruling and Vinesh's journey ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 24, 2026, 02:24 IST

Court Ruling on Vinesh Phogat's Participation

The Delhi High Court has granted permission for renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the upcoming trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) selection policy, stating it was exclusionary as it did not allow for the consideration of a prominent athlete returning from maternity leave.

A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia mandated that the selection trials, set for May 30 and 31, be recorded on video by the WFI, with independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) present.

In its ruling issued on May 22 and made public on Saturday, the court stated, “The appellant (Vinesh) shall be permitted to participate in the trials.”

Despite this positive development, Vinesh faces significant challenges in her quest to compete in the Asian Games. Even if she secures victory in the 57-kg category trial in New Delhi on May 30, her selection remains uncertain. This is primarily because her name was not included in the long list submitted by the IOA to the Asian Games organizers.

All national sports federations were required to provide their lists of potential participants to the IOA by May 4, with the deadline for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to submit entries to the organizers being May 14. Sources have confirmed that Vinesh's name was absent from the list sent by the WFI to the IOA.

Regulations for multi-discipline events dictate that only athletes listed on the approved long list can be selected. Changes are typically allowed only for injury replacements. A source mentioned, “Nobody knows what will happen now. If she loses her trial, then the matter ends. However, even if she wins, she is still not a sure-shot selection for the Asian Games.”

Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope for her. The organizers of the Aichi-Nagoya Games may permit her participation as a special case. An IOA source stated, “We can request the Asian Games organizers to add her name if she wins her trial. Normally, changes happen under the injury replacement rule.”