Wrestling
Delhi High Court pulls up WFI over Vinesh Phogat’s exclusion after maternity break
The court questioned Wrestling Federation of India’s revised eligibility rules and asked the Centre to form an expert panel regarding Vinesh Phogat’s participation in selection trials.
Vinesh Phogat is a decorated Indian wrestler. ( Photo credit: X)
The Delhi High Court has strongly criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over its decision to declare wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic competitions following her maternity break.
During proceedings related to Phogat’s petition challenging her exclusion from upcoming selection trials, the court questioned the federation’s departure from its earlier selection practices and observed that motherhood is celebrated across the country and should not become a ground for exclusion.
The court directed the Centre to constitute an expert committee to evaluate Phogat’s case and ensure that the interests of the sport remain the priority amid ongoing disputes involving the wrestler and the federation.
Phogat had approached the High Court after WFI introduced new eligibility criteria for the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled later this month. Under the revised rules, only wrestlers who secured medals in competitions during 2025 and 2026 were eligible to participate. Since Phogat had not competed after the Paris Olympics 2024, the rules effectively ruled her out.
Dispute rooted in comeback after retirement
The decorated Indian wrestler, who had announced retirement after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics final for being overweight by 100 grams, later decided to return to the sport with an eye on the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
In early May, WFI also issued a show-cause notice to Phogat, declaring her temporarily ineligible for domestic events until June 26, 2026. The federation cited alleged violations linked to anti-doping return protocols, indiscipline and other administrative concerns.
Phogat rejected the allegations, maintaining that she had informed relevant anti-doping authorities about her comeback plans and complied with required testing procedures.
The controversy comes amid continuing tensions between several wrestlers and the federation following the 2023 protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.