Vinesh Phogat's Comeback Faces Legal Challenge from Wrestling Federation of India
Vinesh’s comeback hits fresh roadblock as WFI moves SC against Delhi HC order
Image: The Times Of India
Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat's return to competitive wrestling faces a setback as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenges a Delhi High Court ruling permitting her participation in the Asian Games selection trials. The WFI claims she is ineligible due to prior retirement and ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
- 01The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) filed a Special Leave Petition against a Delhi High Court order allowing Vinesh Phogat to compete in selection trials.
- 02WFI argues that Vinesh is ineligible based on selection criteria and ongoing disciplinary proceedings related to anti-doping regulations.
- 03The federation claims Vinesh voluntarily retired in December 2024 and missed a doping test in May 2025.
- 04The WFI emphasizes that its selection policy does not include provisions for exemptions for iconic players or maternity.
- 05Twelve wrestlers have already qualified for the trials, and the WFI argues they were not consulted before the High Court's decision.
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Vinesh Phogat, an Olympian wrestler, is facing a significant obstacle in her comeback as the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court to contest a Delhi High Court order that permitted her participation in the upcoming selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. Scheduled for Saturday in New Delhi, these trials are now uncertain due to the WFI's legal challenge. The federation claims the High Court's ruling is 'ex facie illegal' and that it was not given adequate opportunity to respond before the order was made. WFI argues that Vinesh is 'ineligible' according to the selection criteria, citing her voluntary retirement in December 2024 and a missed doping test in May 2025. The federation insists that selection for international events should remain under the jurisdiction of recognized sports authorities and warns against judicial overreach. Additionally, the WFI highlights that its selection policy does not allow for exemptions based on an athlete's iconic status or maternity, and asserts that twelve other wrestlers have already qualified for the trials based on merit.
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The legal challenge could delay Vinesh Phogat's return to competitive wrestling, impacting her career and the wrestling community in India.
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