Vinesh Phogat will not be able to play in Asian Games trials, Delhi High Court refuses to grant interim relief

By Samira Vishwas On May 19, 2026

Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat has not been allowed to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials. Delhi High Court refused to grant her interim relief, after which she will no longer be able to participate in the selection trials to be held on 30 and 31 May. A bench led by Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav said during the hearing that Vinesh Phogat has already been declared ineligible to participate in domestic competitions. In such a situation, it would not be appropriate to give relief to them without hearing the arguments of the other side.

The bench said that it is necessary to keep the national interest in mind in the matter and it is extremely important to maintain the fairness of the selection process. The court also made it clear that Vinesh has already been disqualified from participating in domestic competitions, hence relief cannot be given to her without hearing the arguments of the other side. Actually, Vinesh Phogat had challenged the Asian Games selection policy of WFI and the notice issued on 9 May. WFI has barred him from participating in domestic competitions till June 26. This ban also includes the National Open Ranking Tournament.

These players are being included

According to the WFI’s selection policy dated February 25 and circular issued on May 6, only those players who have won a medal at the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship, 2026 Senior Federation Cup, Under-20 National Championship or Under-23 National Championship will be eligible to participate in the Asian Games selection trials. The Federation had clearly stated in its policy that the past performance of the players will not be considered the basis of selection. That is, performance in recent domestic competitions has been made mandatory to participate in the trials.

WFI made allegations against Vinesh

In the notice issued on May 9, WFI had accused Vinesh of indiscipline and violation of anti-doping rules. According to the Federation, it is mandatory for players returning after retirement to follow the prescribed six-month notice period, but Vinesh Phogat did not follow this rule. On this basis he was barred from participating in domestic competitions.

During the hearing, senior advocate Rajashekhar Rao, appearing for Vinesh, argued in the court that she was allowed to register for the Senior Open Ranking Tournament held in Gonda in April, but a notice was issued a day before the start of the tournament, barring her from participating. He told the court that this tournament was the only chance for Vinesh to prove herself. The lawyer argued that the sudden ban had caused injustice to him. At the same time, in the notice dated May 9, WFI has accused Vinesh of indiscipline and violation of anti-doping rules. The federation says that Vinesh did not follow the six-month notice period prescribed for players returning from retirement.

Vinesh had made allegations of sexual harassment

Let us tell you that Vinesh Phogat was among the 6 female wrestlers who had accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. After these allegations, a big controversy arose across the country and serious questions were raised about the Indian Wrestling Association. Vinesh, along with Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, was also the main face of the wrestlers’ movement held at Jantar Mantar in 2023. In this movement, the wrestlers had demanded action against the WFI and its then leadership.

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