The Supreme Court permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in selection trials for the Asian Games 2026 [1, 2].
The ruling removes a significant legal barrier for Phogat, one of India's most prominent athletes, and challenges the autonomy of the national wrestling body in determining athlete eligibility.
A bench consisting of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe issued the order [1]. The court intervened following an appeal from the Wrestling Federation of India, ultimately finding that the federation's selection policy was exclusionary [1, 2].
Phogat will compete in the 53 kg weight category [3]. The selection trials are scheduled to take place on May 30 and May 31, 2024 [1]. The events are hosted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi [3].
While the court granted permission for Phogat to compete, the order also flagged concerns regarding missed doping tests [1]. This detail remains a point of contention, as other reports on the proceedings did not mention the doping tests [1, 2].
The decision comes amid ongoing tension between top Indian wrestlers and the Wrestling Federation of India. The federation previously raised concerns about judicial overreach regarding the selection process [2]. However, the court's priority in this instance was to ensure the selection process remained open, and fair for the athletes involved.
“The Supreme Court permitted Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026”
This judicial intervention signals a willingness by the Indian legal system to scrutinize the internal policies of sports federations when they are perceived as exclusionary. By allowing Phogat to compete despite the federation's objections and flagged doping concerns, the court prioritizes athlete participation and fair access over the strict administrative discretion of the Wrestling Federation of India.
