Wrestling Federation Challenges Court Decision on Vinesh Phogat's Selection for Asian Games

The Wrestling Federation of India has moved the Supreme Court to contest a Delhi High Court ruling that allowed Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The high court deemed the Federation's policies exclusionary, particularly concerning Phogat's maternity break.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has taken its disagreement to the Supreme Court, opposing the Delhi High Court's verdict that enabled Vinesh Phogat to join the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. This legal action comes after the high court highlighted concerns about the WFI's selection policy, which it found exclusionary towards athletes like Phogat, who is making her comeback after a maternity hiatus.

The decision by the high court was grounded in ensuring equitable participation and emphasizing that motherhood should not hinder athletic opportunities. The court mandated that the upcoming trials, scheduled for May 30-31, be meticulously documented and monitored by independent entities from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.

Phogat challenged the WFI's policies, arguing they were discriminatory due to their restrictive qualification criteria, which conflicted with her maternity leave. The court's assessment was particularly critical of remarks branding her disqualification as a 'national embarrassment.' The case reflects broader implications for athlete inclusion policies and the balancing of professional integrity with personal circumstances.