Delhi court rejects Vinesh Phogat trial plea

The Delhi High Court rejected wrestler Vinesh Phogat's plea to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship, holding that the eligibility criteria apply uniformly to all athletes. Phogat's lawyer argued that the Wrestling Federation of India acted with absolute arbitrariness by issuing criteria that effectively excluded her following her return to competitive sport after pregnancy. The WFI disputed claims that she was banned, stating she remains eligible to compete at state and national levels first. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma suggested the WFI should consider framing guidelines for women athletes returning after maternity leave.

The Delhi High Court rejected Vinesh Phogat's request to take part in selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. Phogat had moved the court after being left out under the Wrestling Federation of India's eligibility criteria, with her lawyers arguing the pathway disadvantaged her following pregnancy and childbirth. The court refused provisional entry, stating it would create a special exception to rules applicable to other wrestlers. However, the court recognized the difficulties faced by women athletes returning after maternity breaks and asked the federation to consider framing suitable guidelines.

The Delhi High Court denied wrestler Vinesh Phogat an interim exemption to compete in the 2026 Senior World Championships trials, upholding the uniform application of the Wrestling Federation of India's eligibility criteria. Phogat argued that notices issued by the WFI formed a pattern of arbitrary action obstructing her return to competitive wrestling after maternity leave. The court noted that granting interim relief without adjudicating the policy could result in unequal treatment for other athletes. Furthermore, Phogat filed a separate petition seeking to quash disciplinary show cause notices issued by the WFI.

The Delhi High Court heard wrestler Vinesh Phogat's challenge against the eligibility criteria for the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship. During the hearing, the court asked the Wrestling Federation of India to consider framing guidelines for women athletes returning after maternity leave. Phogat's legal counsel accused the WFI of absolute arbitrariness for informing her of criteria late, which allegedly shut her out of trials due to missed qualifying competitions during maternity. Meanwhile, WFI counsel stated that Phogat had not been banned and remained eligible to compete at state and national levels.

The Delhi High Court dismissed wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application for an interim exemption to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that the Wrestling Federation of India's criteria must apply uniformly and granting relief without adjudicating the policy could result in unequal treatment. Phogat's petition challenged a September circular and sought a framework for athletes returning from maternity leave, alongside opposing disciplinary proceedings initiated by the WFI.

The Delhi High Court refused to grant Vinesh Phogat provisional permission to compete in the Wrestling Federation of India selection trials, ruling that an exception could not be made for her outside the prescribed criteria. The court noted that while her maternity circumstances require consideration regarding the validity of the policy, granting interim relief would be unfair to other athletes. The court left the broader questions regarding sports policies for mothers open and scheduled further hearings for later in September.