The Supreme Court of India has cleared wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 [1] Asian Games.
The ruling removes a significant legal barrier for one of India's most prominent athletes, who faced eligibility challenges after giving birth 10 months [2] before the court's decision. This case highlights the tension between national sports federations and athletes returning from maternity leave.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has since allowed Phogat to compete in the 53 kg category. A spokesperson for the WFI said the organization does "don't want to discriminate" [3] against the athlete.
Phogat is a three-time Olympian [4] and a two-time World Championships medallist [4]. Her legal team said that preventing her from competing would result in a "national embarrassment" [2], as her absence would deprive the country of a top-tier competitor.
The trials are scheduled to take place at the KD Jadhav indoor hall of the Indira Gandhi stadium in New Delhi [5]. While the court ruling permits her to enter the trials, her final berth for the 2026 Games remains uncertain [5], as she must still secure a qualifying position through the competition.
The WFI said it will not challenge the Supreme Court's ruling [5]. This decision ends a period of legal uncertainty for Phogat, allowing her to focus on her physical preparation for the 53 kg weight class.
“"Don't want to discriminate"”
This ruling establishes a precedent for female athletes in India returning to professional sports after childbirth. By intervening, the Supreme Court has prioritized athlete eligibility and non-discrimination over the internal administrative hurdles of the Wrestling Federation of India, ensuring that veteran competitors are not excluded from national representation based on maternity.
