Delhi High Court Criticizes WFI for ‘National Shame’ Remark Against Vinesh Phogat
The Delhi High Court has sharply criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its decision to issue a show-cause notice to renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The notice accused Phogat of bringing ‘national embarrassment’ upon India following her disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to exceeding weight limits prior to her gold medal match.
A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, expressed their disapproval of WFI’s actions, emphasizing that the mishap during the Olympics should not be attributed to Phogat alone. Instead, the Court suggested that the responsibility lies with the sports management. The judges questioned whether Phogat’s disqualification constituted a ‘national shame’ and challenged how the Indian public perceived her achievement and effort.
Policy Changes and Accusations
Furthermore, the Court took note of recent alterations in WFI’s policy concerning the selection process for the Asian Games trials. According to the new policy, effective February 2026, eligibility is now restricted to medalists from specific events held in 2025 and 2026. Previously, there was room for discretion in exceptional cases for internationally accomplished athletes. Phogat argued that this policy change coincided with her maternity leave and subsequent recovery period, thereby limiting her opportunities.
Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing Phogat, highlighted that she was deemed eligible to compete as of January 2026 and had received confirmation of her registration. However, upon arriving at the event, she was informed of her ineligibility. Rao criticized the timing and rationale behind the show-cause notice, suggesting it was baseless.
Judicial Intervention and Government Involvement
The Bench questioned the motivations behind the policy shift and urged WFI to avoid acting with retribution. They underscored India’s cultural respect for motherhood, pointing out Phogat’s recent return to competition after giving birth. The Court also confronted the Central government about its lack of action against WFI’s notice to Phogat. The counsel for the Union of India admitted surprise at the notice’s content.
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After deliberations, the Bench encouraged both WFI and government counsel to form an expert panel to assess Phogat’s participation in the Asian Games trials. The Court emphasized the simplicity of allowing her to partake in the trials, akin to any other athletic endeavor.
In a later session, the Court was informed that the Central government had not barred Phogat from the trials. If she meets the trial criteria, the government expressed willingness to utilize an exemption clause for her Asian Games participation. Additionally, the Sports Ministry agreed to appoint an observer from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and ensure video documentation of the trials.
Future Proceedings
The Court urged the WFI to allow Phogat’s participation in the trials, postponing a request from WFI counsel to list the matter for a future date. Phogat has been excluded from the trials based on criteria involving specific championships she did not attend, having retired post-2024 Olympics and returned in December 2025.
WFI’s show-cause notice cited allegations of indiscipline, anti-doping rule violations, and failure to adhere to competition return protocols. They referenced her 2024 Olympic disqualification and alleged anti-doping whereabouts failures. Phogat dismissed these accusations, asserting that she was cleared by both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Testing Agency to resume competition from January 2026. She argued that WFI’s actions were politically motivated attempts to pressure her into retirement.
Earlier, a single-judge Bench, led by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, denied immediate relief to Phogat, prompting her to appeal to the Division Bench. Rao had previously argued that the show-cause notice was issued merely 12 hours before an event and included concerns from the 2024 Olympics. He requested the Court to permit Phogat to participate in the trials, pending resolution of her challenge against WFI’s new policy.
