Supreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games 2026 Trials

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, allowing her to compete in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials. This decision comes as the court reviews a petition from the Wrestling Federation of India challenging her eligibility. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to anti-doping regulations while also addressing concerns about the federation's policies regarding motherhood and professional opportunities. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for athletes facing similar circumstances.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 15:53 IST

Supreme Court Ruling on Vinesh Phogat's Participation

File image of veteran wrestler Vinesh Phogat(Photo: @KhelNow/X)

New Delhi, May 29: On Friday, the Supreme Court decided not to block the Delhi High Court's ruling that allows wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. The court has agreed to review the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) petition contesting the relief granted to the three-time Olympian.

A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe issued a notice regarding the WFI's Special Leave Petition (SLP) and granted Phogat permission to participate in the trials set for May 30 and 31.

The Supreme Court stated that "the respondent (Phogat) shall be permitted to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026" and indicated that it would address the broader issues raised in the SLP at a later date.

During the proceedings, the bench led by Justice Narasimha expressed concerns regarding Phogat’s compliance with anti-doping regulations and her failure to notify authorities about her whereabouts during the relevant timeframe.

It emphasized that following anti-doping protocols, including timely testing and location disclosure, is a crucial responsibility for Phogat and flagged this issue for further consideration.

The apex court also raised objections to certain remarks made by the Delhi High Court when granting interim relief to Phogat, particularly its initial view that the WFI’s eligibility criteria were "exclusionary".

Questioning the foundation of such findings at this preliminary stage, the Supreme Court noted that the WFI’s selection policy, established in February 2026, applies uniformly to all athletes. However, it allowed the Delhi High Court's directives permitting Phogat's participation in the selection trials to remain effective for now.

The WFI had approached the Supreme Court to contest the Delhi High Court's decision that allowed Phogat to compete in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, despite her not meeting the eligibility requirements set by the federation.

In a ruling issued last week, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia stated that motherhood should not be a reason for excluding individuals from professional opportunities. They noted that the WFI’s policy did not consider Phogat’s maternity leave and recovery period, which coincided with the qualifying events.

"Motherhood must be recognized as a natural and significant aspect of life that warrants accommodation and institutional sensitivity," the Delhi High Court remarked, finding a prima facie case in favor of the wrestler.

Additionally, it mandated that the selection trials be recorded on video and conducted under the oversight of independent observers appointed by the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association. It clarified that Phogat's participation would be contingent on the outcome of the ongoing writ petition before a single-judge Bench reviewing the validity of the WFI’s policy, selection criteria, and show-cause notice.