In a keenly-watched case, the Delhi High Court on May 22 pulled up the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over its decision to declare wrestler Vinesh Phogat 'ineligible' to participate in domestic events.
The HC directed the Centre to set up an expert panel to assess her case.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the federation’s deviation from its earlier practice of allowing reputed athletes to compete raised serious concerns. The court also asked the Centre to ensure that Phogat, who is attempting a comeback after a maternity break, is permitted to participate in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30-31.
The bench underscored that motherhood is respected and celebrated in the country and noted that sporting bodies should not act in a manner that appears vindictive. It directed the government to constitute an expert committee to evaluate Phogat after the Centre informed the court that the framework of the Sports Authority of India allows relaxation in eligibility norms under certain circumstances.
Also read | Sacrifice of cows, 'govansh' illegal, will attract criminal action: Delhi govt ahead of Eid
The court orally directed the authorities to seek expert opinion on her prospects and ensure that she is allowed to participate. It further stated that the matter would be taken up again at 2:30 pm to allow the government counsel to provide details regarding the formation of the expert panel.
The observations came during the hearing of Phogat’s appeal against a May 18 order of a single judge bench that had declined to grant her immediate relief regarding participation in the selection trials for this year’s Asian Games after the WFI declared her ineligible.
Representing Phogat, senior counsel argued that she should be allowed to compete in the trials and contended that the show-cause notice issued to her on May 9, a day before she competed in a domestic tournament in Gonda, indicated an attempt to prevent her participation.
The bench also expressed strong displeasure over the contents of the show-cause notice, particularly the reference to her disqualification at the 2024 Summer Olympics as a “national shame.” The court questioned whether the WFI had altered its selection criteria specifically in her case.
The judges observed that Phogat became a mother in July 2025 and was now seeking to resume competition. Referring to her stature as an internationally recognised wrestler, the bench remarked that disputes within the sport should not harm athletes or the larger interests of Indian sports.
The court also noted that the revised circular issued by the federation reflected a significant departure from earlier norms and stated that such conduct was not in the best interests of sports administration.
Also read | Beating the Heat: India’s data centre dream and the 50°C reality in its path
The WFI had barred Phogat from participating in domestic events until June 26, 2026, citing the mandatory six-month notice period applicable to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping regulations.
Despite the restriction, Phogat took part in the National Open Ranking Tournament in Gonda.
Phogat was among the wrestlers who led protests in 2023 against alleged sexual harassment by former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
In August 2024, she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics after being found 100 gm overweight during the morning weigh-in.
