Delhi HC Slams WFI, Orders Panel to Evaluate Vinesh Phogat for Asian Games Trials

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for disqualifying ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat from domestic competitions. Emphasizing that administrative disputes should not jeopardize the sport, the court directed the Central government to form an expert committee to evaluate Phogat and secure her a spot in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games selection trials.

The court questioned the federation’s priorities during the hearing, observing, “Whatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of wrestling suffer?”

This directive marks a significant turn from Monday, when the high court initially denied Phogat’s request to join the selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31. At the time, a bench led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav declined interim relief, noting that the WFI had already deemed her “ineligible” for domestic events under its controversial May 9 notice. That notice barred Phogat from competing in domestic tournaments, including the National Open Ranking event, until June 26.

Strict Eligibility Rules and Disciplinary Allegations

Under the guidelines established in the WFI’s February 25 selection policy and a subsequent May 6 circular, only medallists from specific recent tournaments—including the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship and various 2026 National championships—can qualify for the Asian Games trials. The federation explicitly stated that it would not consider past accolades.

Furthermore, the WFI defended its May 9 ban by accusing Phogat of indiscipline and anti-doping violations. The body argued that she failed to serve the mandatory six-month notice period required by United World Wrestling for athletes returning from retirement. While the court acknowledged that Phogat had been on maternity leave, it initially emphasized that the broader national interest of the sport must take precedence.

Next Steps in the Legal Dispute

In its latest ruling, the High Court permitted Phogat to file a comprehensive response to the WFI’s show-cause notice. It ordered the wrestling body to deliver a final decision on her status before the next court hearing on July 6. Additionally, the bench issued formal notices seeking responses from the Union Government, the WFI, and the Indian Olympic Association regarding Phogat’s petition.

Phogat, a decorated athlete, previously made headlines as one of six female wrestlers who accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Alongside fellow wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, she became a prominent face of the intense 36-day protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against Singh in mid-2023.