In a major relief for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed her to participate in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled to begin on May 30, refusing to stay an earlier order of the Delhi High Court.
The apex court’s decision came while hearing a petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which had challenged the Delhi High Court’s interim relief granted to the star wrestler.
A Bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe directed that Vinesh Phogat must be permitted to participate in the trials while issuing notice on WFI’s plea.
“We are not stopping, you go and participate,” Justice Narasimha observed during the hearing.
Supreme Court Raises Questions on High Court’s Approach
While allowing Phogat to compete, the Supreme Court expressed reservations over the Delhi High Court’s reasoning in granting relief.
The Bench questioned the High Court’s framing of the matter as one of hardship due to motherhood, noting that the key issue involved compliance with international anti-doping norms.
Justice Narasimha pointed out that:
- Phogat had taken a sabbatical in December 2024
- She resumed eligibility from January 1, 2026
- She allegedly missed a scheduled doping test
- The International Testing Agency did not accept her explanation regarding absence due to assembly duties as an MLA in Haryana
The court stressed that international sports regulations must be followed strictly to protect India’s sporting credibility.
Motherhood Argument Raised by Phogat’s Counsel
Representing Vinesh Phogat, Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan argued that the issue was linked to the wrestler’s maternity break and sought permission for her to participate in the trials subject to the final outcome of the case.
She submitted that denying her participation would amount to a national embarrassment and highlighted that Phogat became a mother just ten months ago.
However, the Supreme Court clarified that it did not wish to treat pregnancy as the sole basis of the legal challenge.
WFI Defends Selection Policy
The WFI maintained that its selection rules strictly follow international norms and denied any targeted attempt to exclude Phogat.
The federation’s counsel argued that several women athletes who are mothers continue to comply with the same regulations.
Delhi High Court Had Granted Interim Relief
On May 22, the Delhi High Court had ordered that Vinesh Phogat be allowed to compete in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The High Court had termed the WFI’s selection policy “exclusionary” and observed that motherhood should not become a ground for excluding female athletes from competitive opportunities.
It also directed that the selection trials be:
- Video recorded
- Conducted under independent supervision
- Monitored by observers from the Sports Authority of India and Indian Olympic Association
What Happens Next?
With the Supreme Court refusing to stay the High Court’s order, Vinesh Phogat is now cleared to participate in the Asian Games selection trials.
The apex court will examine the broader legal issues raised by the WFI challenge at a later stage.
The development marks a significant moment for the decorated wrestler as she seeks a return to elite competition ahead of the Asian Games.
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