In a major relief to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Supreme Court on Friday (May 29) allowed the three-time Olympian to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held on May 30 and 31.
A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which had challenged a Delhi High Court order permitting Phogat to compete despite her not meeting the federation’s eligibility criteria.
Apex court order
The apex court observed that Phogat’s case deserved special consideration because of her contributions to the sport. “If it were anybody else, it would have been on a different footing. She has made the country proud,” the bench remarked while allowing her participation.
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The court also noted that denying her participation at this stage would be unfair after the Delhi High Court had already granted relief. “Today at this stage, the high court having passed the order, the hope and expectations have risen. To tell her to go back home and we can’t do anything, will not be proper,” the bench told WFI’s counsel.
However, the apex court also expressed concern over repeated judicial intervention in sports administration matters and scheduled the WFI’s petition for a detailed hearing next week. It has also sought Phogat’s response to the federation’s plea.
WFI plea
The dispute began after Phogat sought to return to competitive wrestling following maternity leave and participate in the Asian Games trials. The WFI barred her, citing ongoing disciplinary proceedings, alleged whereabouts failures and her failure to complete a mandatory six-month notice period after retirement.
Also read: Wrestling Federation bars Vinesh Phogat from competing in comeback tournament
The Delhi High Court had earlier ruled in her favour, sharply criticising the federation’s rules and observing that motherhood could not be treated as a “disability” or grounds for excluding an athlete from professional opportunities.
Other controversies
Phogat, who has represented the country at multiple Olympics and international championships, was also at the centre of global attention during the Paris Olympics after being disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final despite securing a medal position.
Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight during the second weigh-in after undergoing an intense overnight weight-cutting process. Under Olympic rules, wrestlers are required to meet the prescribed weight limit on both days of competition, leading to her disqualification and the loss of a guaranteed silver medal.
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Phogat was also one of the central faces of the 2023 wrestlers’ protests in New Delhi, where she, along with several top Indian wrestlers, led demonstrations demanding the resignation of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation.
(With Agency inputs)
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