Delhi High Court: Vinesh Phogat Cleared to Compete in Asian Games Trials

In a significant legal victory for Indian wrestling, the Delhi High Court has granted permission to ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. This decision comes as a major relief for Phogat, who had been facing a restrictive ban imposed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The court's intervention ensures that the athlete can return to the competitive arena and vie for a spot in the prestigious international event after a period of uncertainty.

Court Overturns WFI Ban

The Wrestling Federation of India had previously issued a ban against Vinesh Phogat, prohibiting her from participating in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026. However, the Delhi High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, passed an order on May 22 that effectively allows her to compete in the upcoming trials. The official order was uploaded to the court's website on Saturday, clarifying that Phogat is eligible for the trials scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31, 2026. The court's decision effectively stays the federation's restrictive measures for the purpose of these crucial trials.

Criticism of WFI Selection Policy

During the proceedings, the court made sharp observations regarding the WFI's selection criteria. The bench described the federation's policy as exclusionary, noting that it failed to provide adequate consideration for prestigious athletes like Vinesh Phogat, especially those returning to the sport after circumstances such as a maternity break, while the court emphasized that in the interest of sports and justice, it was essential to allow the appellant to participate in the selection process. The judges remarked that the grounds mentioned in the show-cause notice appeared to be based on pre-conceived notions and issues that were already considered closed, suggesting a lack of merit in blocking her participation.

Allegations and Show-Cause Notice

The WFI had issued a comprehensive 15 page show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, leveling several serious allegations against her. The federation claimed that her conduct had tarnished the image of the country and caused damage to Indian wrestling. The charges included violations of the WFI constitution, United World Wrestling (UWW) international regulations, and anti-doping provisions. Specifically, the federation sought explanations on four counts: her disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to failing the weight cut, alleged whereabouts failures under anti-doping rules, and her participation in two different weight categories during the selection trials held in March 2024.

Supervision and Transparency in Trials

To ensure fairness and transparency, the Delhi High Court has mandated strict protocols for the selection trials. The court ordered that the WFI must conduct full videography of the trials, while Also, independent supervisors from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) must be present during the process to oversee the proceedings. This move is intended to maintain the integrity of the selection process for the Asian Games and prevent any potential bias or procedural lapses.

Vinesh Phogat's Comeback Journey

Vinesh Phogat is making a comeback to professional wrestling after a hiatus of 18 months. She had stepped away from the sport in August last year and briefly ventured into politics. Her journey has been marked by extreme highs and lows, most notably the heartbreak at the Paris Olympics. In Paris, Phogat had displayed exceptional skill to reach the final of the women's 50 kg category. However, in a tragic turn of events, she was disqualified just hours before the final for being overweight, which resulted in her missing out on a guaranteed medal. Now, with the court's backing, she's set to return to the mat and pursue her sporting goals once again.