Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Trials
Delhi HC allows Vinesh Phogat to participate in Asian Games trials
Asianet Newsable
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The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials on May 30 and 31. The court emphasized the need for maternity rights in sports, stating that motherhood should not hinder an athlete's career and criticized the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.
- 01The trials will be video-recorded and overseen by independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.
- 02Phogat's challenge against the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy cited discrimination due to her maternity leave.
- 03The court highlighted that motherhood should not be viewed as a professional barrier for female athletes.
- 04Phogat had taken a sabbatical for pregnancy and resumed training after giving birth in July 2025.
- 05The court criticized the Wrestling Federation's remarks labeling an incident involving Phogat as a 'national embarrassment' as vindictive.
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The Delhi High Court has ruled that wrestler Vinesh Phogat can participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31. This decision comes after Phogat appealed against a previous ruling that denied her interim relief in her challenge against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) selection policy. The court mandated that the trials be video-recorded and monitored by independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). In its ruling, the court emphasized the importance of maternity rights for female athletes, stating that motherhood should not be seen as a hindrance to professional sports. The court criticized the WFI's selection policy, which favored medal winners from specific tournaments, thereby excluding Phogat due to her maternity-related absence. The court also condemned the WFI's remarks regarding a past incident involving Phogat, describing them as vindictive. While granting interim relief, the court clarified that it did not make a final judgment on the merits of the case, which will be decided independently.
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This ruling sets a precedent for recognizing and accommodating maternity rights within sports, potentially influencing policies across various sports organizations.
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