Delhi High Court Questions WFI's Decision on Vinesh Phogat's Eligibility

Court Challenges WFI's Ruling on Vinesh Phogat

On Friday, the Delhi High Court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for declaring renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat "ineligible" to compete in domestic competitions. The court urged the government to form a panel of experts to assess her situation.

Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia noted that the WFI's shift from its previous policy of allowing esteemed athletes to compete is concerning. They instructed the Centre to ensure that Phogat, who is returning from maternity leave, is permitted to take part in the upcoming selection trials for the Asian Games.

The judges highlighted the importance of motherhood in society, emphasizing that the federation should not act out of spite.

They requested the government to establish an expert panel to evaluate Phogat's eligibility after the government lawyer mentioned that the Sports Authority of India allows for flexibility in eligibility criteria under certain circumstances.

The court remarked, "Have the experts assess her potential... Make sure she can participate," and scheduled a follow-up hearing at 2:30 PM for further updates on the expert panel's formation.

This hearing was part of Phogat's appeal against a previous ruling from May 18, which denied her immediate relief regarding her participation in the selection trials set for May 30-31, despite the WFI's ruling of "ineligibility."

Phogat's attorney urged the court to allow her to compete, arguing that the notice issued to her on May 9, just before a domestic event in Gonda, indicated that there were attempts to unjustly exclude her.

The court expressed dissatisfaction with the notice, labeling Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a "national disgrace" and questioned the WFI's motives in altering the selection criteria.

The judges stated, "She became a mother in July 2025. We are now in May. She is an internationally recognized wrestler. Why shouldn't we assume that the criteria were changed for her? Regardless of any disputes, why should sports suffer? Motherhood is celebrated in our country; it should not be a disadvantage for anyone?"

They further commented on the recent changes in regulations, stating, "This deviation from previous guidelines is telling. Such conduct is not in the best interest of sports."

The WFI had ruled Phogat ineligible for domestic events until June 26, 2026, citing a mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.

Despite this, Vinesh attended the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.

Phogat was also part of the protests by female wrestlers in 2023 against alleged sexual misconduct by the former WFI president, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh.

In August 2024, she faced disqualification from the Olympic finals in the 50kg category due to being 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in.