The Delhi High Court (HC) on Friday came down heavily on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its stance to exclude ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from domestic competitions, as well as the selection process for Asian Games 2026. During the hearing, the court directed the Union Government to constitute an expert committee, which shall assess Phogat’s case and ensure that she is allowed to participate in the Asian Games selection trials.

The bench hearing the case remarked, “Whatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of wrestling suffer.?” 

Balance between rules and sporting interest sought

A bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav was hearing the case, which noted that while sporting regulations must be respected, the broader interests of Indian wrestling could not be unheeded. The court’s observations came several days after it had refused to grant interim relief to Phogat for participation in the Asian Games trials slated for May 30 and 31, 2026. At the time, the bench had noted that she had already been declared ‘ineligible’ by the WFI, making immediate intervention difficult. 

Notably, the wrestling body had issued a notice to Phogat on May 9, 2026, barring her from participating in domestic tournaments, including the National Open Ranking event, until June 26, 2026. However, the hearing in the court on Friday reflected the judiciary’s concern over the long-term impact of administrative disputes on athletes and the sports itself. 

Why did WFI deem Phogat ineligible?

As per the WFI’s selection framework issued on February 25 this year, only medal winners from designated national championships would be eligible for the Asian Games selection trials. It was clarified in the policy that performances only from the following events would be considered:

• 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship
• 2026 Senior Federation Cup
• 2026 Under-20 National Wrestling Championship
• 2026 Under-23 National Wrestling Championship

In its May 9 notice to Phogat, the WFI accused her of indiscipline and alleged breaches linked to anti-doping norms. According to WFI, the wrestler had failed to fulfil the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes attempting a comeback after retirement under United World Wrestling rules.