The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the selection trials for the Asian Games.

This ruling removes a significant administrative barrier for Phogat, ensuring that her eligibility is based on athletic performance rather than disciplinary disputes with the national governing body.

Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia presided over the proceedings in Delhi. The court said the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) acted with conduct that was vindictive [1]. The legal challenge centered on a show-cause notice issued by the WFI, which the court said was unfair because it penalized Phogat for returning from maternity leave [2].

To ensure the integrity of the selection process, the court ordered that the trials be video-recorded. Additionally, the court said two independent observers [1] must be nominated to oversee the events. These observers will be drawn from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to prevent further bias or interference from the WFI [1].

Phogat is set to compete in the 57 kg weight class [3]. The court's intervention marks a critical shift in the power dynamic between elite athletes and the WFI, particularly regarding the treatment of female athletes returning to competition after childbirth.

By requiring independent oversight and recording, the court has established a transparent framework for the trials. This measure aims to protect the athlete from potential retaliation, while upholding the competitive standards required for the Asian Games.

“The court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its conduct, describing the federation's policies as vindictive.”

This ruling establishes a legal precedent in Indian sports regarding the protection of athletes' rights during maternity leave. By labeling the WFI's actions as 'vindictive,' the court has signaled that administrative penalties cannot be used to arbitrarily exclude high-performing athletes from international competition, effectively prioritizing athlete welfare and fair play over federation autonomy.