The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly questioned the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) decision to declare wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic wrestling events ahead of the 2026 Asian Games selection trials.
Hearing the matter, the court observed that internal disputes within the wrestling administration should not affect athletes or the future of the sport.
“Whatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of wrestling suffer?” the court remarked while directing the Centre to form an expert committee to assess Vinesh Phogat’s eligibility and participation in the upcoming Asian Games trials.
Centre Asked To Form Expert Committee
The High Court directed the Union government to set up a panel of experts to evaluate Phogat’s fitness and eligibility for the 2026 Asian Games selection process.
The move comes after WFI barred the celebrated wrestler from competing in domestic tournaments through a May 9 notice, effectively preventing her from participating in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The court’s intervention is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing tussle between Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation of India.
Why WFI Declared Vinesh Phogat Ineligible
According to the WFI, only medal winners from select national championships held before the Asian Games trials would be eligible for participation.
The federation also issued a circular stating that previous performances would not be considered during the selection process.
In its May 9 notice, WFI accused Vinesh Phogat of indiscipline and alleged violations linked to anti-doping regulations. The federation claimed she did not complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling rules.
However, the court noted that Phogat was on maternity leave and stressed that broader national sporting interests must remain the priority.
Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Respond
The High Court permitted Vinesh Phogat to submit a detailed reply to the WFI show-cause notice and directed the federation to make a final decision before the next hearing scheduled for July 6.
The bench also issued notices to:
- Wrestling Federation of India
- Indian Olympic Association
- The Union government
The case has once again brought attention to the ongoing controversy surrounding Indian wrestling administration.
Background Of The Wrestling Controversy
Vinesh Phogat was among the leading wrestlers who publicly accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment during the high-profile protests held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in 2023.
Along with wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, Phogat became one of the key faces of the movement demanding accountability and reforms within Indian wrestling.
The latest court proceedings are likely to intensify debate over athlete rights, transparency in sports administration, and the future of wrestling governance in India.
