The Delhi High Court orders wrestler Vinesh Phogat be allowed to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, after questioning Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) rules that declared her ineligible for domestic competitions. Multiple reports say the court criticizes the WFI policy as unfair and exclusionary toward athletes returning from maternity leave, noting that motherhood cannot be a disqualifying ground. The court also asks for a mechanism to ensure the selection process is fair and transparent. One report states the court directs the Centre to form an expert committee to evaluate Phogat’s eligibility and participation in upcoming trials.
The court’s directions include procedural safeguards: WFI must conduct the trials with transparency, including video recording, and independent oversight. Following the High Court ruling, WFI moves to challenge the order in the Supreme Court, arguing that it undermines the federation’s selection framework. Separate coverage also reports that the Supreme Court later allows Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, following the dispute between the federation and the courts over her eligibility.
