The Supreme Court of India has granted wrestler Vinesh Phogat permission to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to commence on May 30. The decision came from a bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, who upheld the Delhi High Court’s directive allowing Phogat to join the trials.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court addressed an appeal by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), challenging the High Court’s order. Although the Court permitted Phogat’s participation, it expressed concern over her failure to comply with doping tests and her lack of communication with the WFI regarding her whereabouts.
Concerns Over Doping Tests
The Justices highlighted that Phogat had taken a sabbatical from December 2024, intending to return in August 2025. However, her return was further delayed due to maternity. The International Testing Agency (ITA) stated that Phogat would be eligible from January 1, 2026, yet she missed crucial doping tests during this period. The Court emphasized the importance of adhering to doping protocols and keeping the WFI informed to avoid international disqualification that could tarnish the country’s reputation.
The Supreme Court also questioned the High Court’s characterization of the WFI’s selection policy as exclusionary. The Justices remarked that the High Court’s decision lacked reference to applicable rules and cautioned against judicial interference in sports management.
Advocate’s Argument for Fair Opportunity
Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, representing Phogat, argued that the wrestler sought not an exemption but a fair opportunity to participate in the trials. Divan emphasized the need for a balanced approach, asserting that missing this opportunity could unfairly hinder Phogat’s career.
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The Supreme Court acknowledged the advocacy for institutional strengthening, suggesting that sports bodies, rather than courts, should manage such issues. Nevertheless, the Court allowed Phogat to proceed with the trials while issuing a notice to her regarding WFI’s appeal.
Delhi High Court’s Previous Ruling
Prior to the Supreme Court’s hearing, the Delhi High Court had ruled in favor of Phogat, highlighting that her inability to meet WFI’s selection criteria stemmed from her maternity leave. The High Court recognized the challenges female athletes face during pregnancy and emphasized the need for institutional sensitivity towards motherhood.
The Division Bench criticized WFI for its “deplorable” show-cause notice to Phogat, which labeled her disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a “national shame.” The Court noted that such language demonstrated vindictiveness and mala fide intent, as Phogat had been cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) of any wrongdoing.
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In response to WFI’s appeal to the Supreme Court, Phogat’s counsel reiterated that the athlete was unjustly excluded from trials due to maternity and alleged that the WFI’s actions were politically motivated. The Supreme Court, while granting Phogat’s participation, emphasized that its decision should not disrupt the schedule or undermine national sports management.
