The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games [1].
The ruling establishes a legal precedent against the exclusion of female athletes based on maternity leave. It challenges the authority of sports federations to implement policies that penalize athletes for motherhood, ensuring that biological milestones do not end professional sporting careers.
The court issued the order on May 30, 2024 [2], regarding selection trials scheduled for that same day in New Delhi [1]. The dispute centered on a show-cause notice from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) that barred Phogat from competing because she was on maternity leave [3].
The court said the action of the WFI was "vindictive and deplorable" [4]. Judges found that the federation's exclusionary policy showed "mala fide intent" [5] and contradicted the fundamental principle that motherhood cannot be a ground for exclusion [6].
Phogat's legal challenge sought to overturn the WFI's decision, which the court determined was contrary to the interests of sports and justice [7]. By granting the request, the court ensured Phogat could compete for a spot in the 2026 Asian Games [1].
"Motherhood cannot become ground for exclusion," the Delhi High Court said [6].
The court further noted that the WFI's attempt to block the wrestler was an abuse of policy. The ruling emphasizes that the right to compete should not be stripped away due to a woman's decision to start a family, a move the court characterized as vindictive [4].
“"Motherhood cannot become ground for exclusion."”
This ruling signals a shift toward protecting the maternal rights of female athletes in India. By labeling the WFI's policies as 'vindictive,' the court has limited the discretionary power of sports bodies to use personal life events as justification for professional barring, potentially forcing other national federations to rewrite their eligibility and leave policies.
