Delhi High Court did not allow wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship. Vinesh Phogat had sought permission to participate in the selection trials of the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship to be held on September 14. She had challenged the selection criteria of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in the court and said that she was excluded due to these rules when she returned to wrestling after pregnancy and delivery.
Vinesh Phogat had challenged the selection rules of WFI. She says that due to pregnancy, childbirth and recovery after delivery, she was not able to participate in some competitions, due to which the current selection rules are excluding her from the World Championship trials.
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What did Delhi HC say to WFI?
Delhi High Court said that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) should consider making clear guidelines for those women players who return to the game after maternity leave. The court says that the rules should be such that women players who take a break from the game due to pregnancy and childbirth are not harmed. There should also be a balance between the interest of the country and the competitive needs of the game.
What did Vinesh Phogat's lawyer say?
Senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Phogat, says that WFI adopted an arbitrary attitude towards him and he was informed about the selection criteria on September 7, while the trial is to be held on September 14. Rajasekhar Rao says that due to the current rules, Vinesh Phogat, who is making a comeback after maternity, is not getting a chance to prove her ability.
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WFI has given clarification
On the other hand, WFI objected to the fact that Vinesh Phogat was stopped from participating. WFI's counsel told the court that she was not banned and was eligible to compete at the state and national levels before proceeding with the selection process. The federation also said that athletes who had won medals in specific competitions in 2025 and 2026 were eligible to be selected for this year's World Championships.
What did Delhi High Court say?
Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma, while hearing the application of Olympian Vinesh Phogat, said that the current system raises concerns about women athletes who take a break from sports for some time due to becoming mothers. Issuing an interim order, the court said that at this stage the court is not in favor of granting interim relaxation in the eligibility criteria to allow Phogat to participate in the selection trial to be held on September 14.
The court said the selection criteria apply equally to all athletes and allowing Phogat to participate for a period of time would, in effect, constitute an exemption in her favor from the eligibility criteria applicable to all other athletes. After hearing the arguments of both the sides, the bench reserved its order on Phogat's application.