Vinesh Phogat Asian Games Trials: Supreme Court Allows Wrestler, Questions WFI Policy

Vinesh Phogat Asian Games Trials: On Friday, the Supreme Court gave its approval for wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials, which are set to begin on Saturday. This decision comes after a legal dispute regarding her eligibility, which had created uncertainty around her participation. Vinesh, a seasoned athlete and one of India’s top wrestlers, now has the opportunity to secure her spot on the national team. The trials will see her competing against other top contenders, and her performance will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike as she aims to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games.

Vinesh Phogat Asian Games Trials: SC Slams Delhi High Court’s Current Order

Asian Games 2026 trials: The court also criticized the Delhi High Court’s recent order, which called the Wrestling Federation of India’s policy of ignoring top athletes’ past achievements exclusionary.

“We are stepping in reluctantly because of her background. We respect her achievements for the country.

Still, we will review the high court order to address some issues,” said justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe as they heard the WFI’s appeal against the May 22 high court decision.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Case: High Court Flags WFI’s Asian Games Criteria

Vinesh Phogat Latest News: The high court said the WFI’s selection criteria for the Asian Games only allowed wrestlers who won medals in 2025, ignoring earlier achievements.

Because of this, experienced athletes like Phogat, who took maternity leave, were not considered. The court noted this was a big change from previous practice.

Maternity Leave Athletes India Case: It also pointed out that Phogat’s maternity leave and recovery happened during the championships, which meant she had to meet eligibility criteria that affected her chance to qualify for the trials.

Indian Wrestling News: Supreme Court Criticises Judicial Interference in Sports Policy

Questions were raised by the Supreme Court regarding the high court’s involvement in the policy.

It was stated by the judges, “A constitutional court must know these are national and international sports. This thing about womanhood is irrelevant.”

This kind of an approach for courts to interfere has created problems for other similar federations, as we have seen in football, which results in disqualification.”

WFI Selection Policy Controversy

SC Allows Vinesh Phogat: Senior advocate Madhavi Divan, along with Ritwik Prakash and Ashita Khanna, represented Phogat and argued that the WFI policy was different from previous years, when top athletes’ past achievements were taken into account.

“I may or may not qualify...But should I not be allowed to participate?” the advocate said.

The court ruled that Phogat should be allowed to participate. Ivan said Phogat is not asking for any special treatment after giving birth.

The authorities were stated to have labelled the petitioner as a national embarrassment.

It was further argued that denying her participation would itself result in national embarrassment.

Wrestler Alleges Malafide Intent, Seeks Relief

It was also contended that malafides could be demonstrated and that she had not been granted the benefit of the relaxation clause this year.

They knew I was indisposed throughout last year.” According to the rules, she was supposed to take a dope test in January but did not attend.

It was observed by the court that Divan had been an excellent wrestler and that the country should come first.

It was further stated that interference by the courts in such a manner, resulting in disruption of the entire schedule, would not be warranted.

Vinesh Phogat Asian Games Trials: No Exemption for Phogat, Says WFI

The court also noted that the dope tests had been missed by Phogat and that logical consequences for the sport would follow from such a lapse.

Indian sports are integrally connected with international sporting events. Any disqualification at that level will reflect poorly upon India.”l will reflect poorly upon India.”

Senior advocate DN Goburdhan, representing the WFI, said the high court went too far and did not consider how its order would affect the sport. “By May 14, we submitted the names to the Asian Games organisers.

We have not granted any exemption to any player this year. She cannot steal a march over other players. ...women performers have secured medals in tournaments throughout last year,” Goburdhan said.

The court added that issues like this should not be settled in court. “There must be strong institutionalisation and proper support for players.