Bureau Prayagraj. Delhi High Court on Friday reprimanded the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). WFI had declared wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible to participate in the domestic tournament. The court asked the central government to form an expert panel to evaluate Phogat.
Chief Justice D.K. A bench of Justices Upadhyay and Tejas Karia also asked the central government to ensure that Phogat is allowed to participate in the selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games. Vinesh wants to return to sports after maternity leave. The bench remarked that WFI not following the past practice of allowing top players to participate ‘speaks volumes’.
The bench emphasized that motherhood is celebrated in the country and the union should not act in a spirit of ‘vindictiveness’. The court asked the Center to constitute an expert panel to evaluate Phogat. The High Court said orally‘Ask experts to evaluate its possibilities. Make sure he can participate.‘
Earlier on May 18, the High Court had refused to allow Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials to be held on May 30 and 31. There itself, The WFI had recently issued a show cause notice to Vinesh and declared her ineligible to participate in domestic tournaments till June 2026. Vinesh had challenged this notice, which was heard in the High Court today.
WFI had recently sent a notice to Vinesh on allegations of indiscipline and violation of anti-doping rules. Not only this, Vinesh was declared ineligible to participate in domestic tournaments till June 2026 because she has not given the required six months’ notice period after returning from retirement under the UWW’s anti-doping rules.
UWW had also made it clear in its letter that if Vinesh wants to return to wrestling again, So they will have to inform ITA or International Federation at least six months in advance and remain available for anti-doping testing during this period.
In 15 pages notice, The WFI had alleged that Vinesh’s conduct had caused embarrassment at the national level and damaged the image of Indian wrestling.
The WFI had specifically mentioned that Vinesh is not eligible to participate in any domestic event till June 26 this year, Which also included the National Open Ranking Tournament to be held in Gonda from 10 to 12 May.
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