Delhi HC pulls up wrestling federation for declaring Vinesh Phogat ‘ineligibile’ for domestic events
Can motherhood become a barrier in sports? The Delhi High Court strongly questioned WFI’s decision to sideline Vinesh Phogat and asked the Centre to ensure she gets a fair chance at Asian Games trials.
The judges also criticised the tone of the show-cause notice issued to Phogat (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible to compete in domestic events, observing that the federation’s actions appeared unfair and inconsistent with past practices.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the Centre to form an expert panel to assess Phogat’s case and asked authorities to ensure that she gets an opportunity to participate in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.
During the hearing, the High Court remarked that motherhood should not become a reason to disadvantage an athlete returning to competitive sport. The bench noted that WFI had earlier allowed reputed athletes to participate under similar circumstances, adding that the federation’s sudden deviation “speaks volumes.”
Delhi HC pulls up WFI over declaring Vinesh Phogat “ineligible” for domestic events, says motherhood should not become a disadvantage for athletes. Court asks Centre to form expert panel and ensure fair opportunity in Asian Games trials. #VineshPhogat#WFI#DelhiHC#AsianGamespic.twitter.com/nD4wjIEfRT
The judges also criticised the tone of the show-cause notice issued to Phogat, particularly references to her Paris Olympics disqualification being described as a “national shame.” The court questioned whether the selection criteria had been changed specifically to target the wrestler.
The bench orally observed that sports administration should not be influenced by personal disputes or vendetta and stressed that the larger interest of sports must remain the priority.
Centre Asked to Consider Relaxation
The court’s observations came while hearing Phogat’s appeal against an earlier single-judge order that denied her immediate relief regarding participation in the Asian Games trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
Government counsel informed the court that Sports Authority of India guidelines allow relaxation in eligibility conditions in certain cases. Following this submission, the High Court asked the Centre to set up an expert committee to evaluate Phogat’s readiness and chances.
The court further directed authorities to ensure she is not denied participation without proper consideration.
The Wrestling Federation of India had declared Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events until June 26, 2026, citing anti-doping regulations that require athletes returning from retirement to observe a mandatory six-month notice period.
Despite the restriction, Phogat participated in a national ranking tournament in Gonda, signalling her determination to return to the mat after a maternity break in 2025.
The wrestler has remained in the spotlight since leading protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023. She also faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics after being disqualified from the 50kg final for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in.
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