Rodali Barua Challenges Taekwondo Selection for Asian Games in High Court

Rodali Barua's Legal Challenge

International taekwondo competitor Rodali Barua has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court, contesting the rejection of her request for immediate relief regarding the selection process for India's taekwondo team for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, 2026.

Details of Barua's Appeal

In her Letters Patent Appeal (LPA), Barua is seeking to overturn the September 17 ruling made by a Single Judge and is requesting that she be considered for the Asian Games team without delay.

Additionally, the appeal demands that the authorities disclose the basis on which India Taekwondo organized the selection trials and compiled the list of athletes for the Games, including the selection criteria, trial results, and related documentation.

Importance of the Appeal

Barua has also requested that all documents related to the selection of taekwondo athletes be preserved, including applications, trial outcomes, selection criteria, and any communications or approvals, until the writ petition is resolved.

She emphasizes the urgency of her case, noting that the taekwondo events are set to take place from October 1 to 3, 2026, with a team submission deadline of September 26. Barua argues that missing this opportunity would deny her a chance that occurs only once every four years.

Context of the Dispute

This appeal stems from a writ petition filed by Barua against the Union of India and others, focusing on the selection process for the taekwondo team and questioning the authority of India Taekwondo in conducting the trials.

Barua, who competes in the women's +73 kg category, is part of the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) and has achieved a world ranking along with medals in international competitions.

The petition references a Delhi High Court order from April 27, 2026, which instructed the union government to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee the National Sports Federation for Taekwondo until a suitable organization is recognized. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had indicated on February 27, 2026, that neither the Taekwondo Federation of India nor India Taekwondo was eligible for recognition as the National Sports Federation. Despite this, India Taekwondo proceeded with selection trials in June 2026, prompting Barua's legal action.

Response from the Single Judge and Indian Olympic Association

In addressing Barua's request for urgent interim relief, the Single Judge noted on September 17 that the Indian Olympic Association's counsel had indicated that the athletes had already been finalized and that the Indian team had departed for the Games.

Barua contested this assertion, highlighting that the taekwondo events were scheduled for October 1-3 and that the team was expected to leave around September 26.

Legal Representation

The LPA has been submitted by LexCuria Lawyers LLP, with representation from advocates Atanu Saikia and Madhumita Bhattacharjee.