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

Court's Intervention in Vinesh Phogat's Case

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for labeling renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat as 'ineligible' for domestic competitions. The court urged the government to form a specialized panel to assess her situation.

Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia highlighted 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 underscored the importance of motherhood in society, advising the federation against acting with hostility.

The court requested the establishment of an expert panel to review Phogat's eligibility after the government representative indicated that the Sports Authority of India allows for flexibility in eligibility rules under certain circumstances.

The judges emphasized, 'Have the experts assess her potential... Make sure she can participate,' and noted they would reconvene at 2:30 PM to discuss the formation of this expert team.

This ruling came during the hearing of Phogat's appeal against a prior decision made by a single judge on May 18, which denied her immediate relief regarding her participation in the May 30-31 selection trials for the Asian Games, despite her being deemed 'ineligible' by the WFI.

Phogat's attorney argued for her right to compete in the trials, claiming that the show-cause 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 show-cause notice, labeling Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a 'national disgrace' and questioned the motives behind the WFI's alteration of selection criteria.

'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 nation; it should not be a disadvantage for anyone,' the court remarked.

'The changes in the circular speak volumes. This behavior is not in the best interest of sports. The deviation from previous guidelines is telling,' they added.

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

Despite this, Vinesh appeared at 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 for being slightly overweight during the morning weigh-in.