Delhi High Court Advocates for Vinesh Phogat's Participation in Asian Games Trials
‘Not in the best interest of sports’: Delhi HC asks govt to ensure Vinesh’s Asiad trials participation
The Times Of India
Image: The Times Of India
The Delhi High Court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for competitions following her maternity break. The court ordered the government to form an expert panel to assess her fitness for the upcoming Asian Games selection trials, emphasizing that motherhood should not hinder an athlete's career.
- 01The Delhi High Court questioned the Wrestling Federation of India's motives in declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible, suggesting a potential bias against her after her maternity leave.
- 02The court directed the government to ensure Phogat's participation in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
- 03Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya highlighted that motherhood should not be a disadvantage for athletes, emphasizing the need to support female athletes post-maternity.
- 04Phogat's legal team argued that the federation's recent actions appeared to be a deliberate attempt to exclude her from competitions.
- 05The Wrestling Federation of India cited anti-doping rules for barring Phogat from events until June 2026, despite a previous circular allowing exceptions for renowned athletes.
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The Delhi High Court has taken a strong stance against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for declaring renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic competitions after her maternity leave. During a hearing, Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia expressed concern over the federation's actions, questioning whether the rules had been altered specifically to target Phogat following her return from motherhood. The court ordered the Indian government to form an expert panel to assess Phogat's fitness and eligibility for the upcoming Asian Games selection trials set for May 30 and 31. The judges emphasized that motherhood should not be a disadvantage for athletes, pointing out that the federation's sudden change in policy deviated from prior practices that allowed elite athletes to compete under exceptional circumstances. Phogat's legal representatives argued that the WFI's recent actions were a deliberate attempt to keep her from competing, particularly highlighting a notice that described her previous Olympic disqualification as a 'national shame'. The WFI had barred her from domestic events until June 2026, citing anti-doping regulations.
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The court's ruling could significantly influence the treatment of female athletes in India, particularly regarding maternity and eligibility policies.
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