Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Trials
Vinesh Phogat Allowed To Participate In Asian Games Selection Trials, Delhi High Court Gives Nod
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The Delhi High Court has permitted renowned Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials, criticizing the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary policy regarding athletes returning from maternity leave. The court emphasized that motherhood should not be a barrier to participation in sports.
- 01The court ordered that the selection trials on May 30-31, 2026, be video-recorded and observed by representatives from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.
- 02The court found the WFI's selection policy to be exclusionary, lacking discretion for iconic players like Phogat returning from maternity leave.
- 03Phogat's exclusion was linked to her maternity sabbatical, which the court ruled violated her rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- 04The court condemned the WFI's characterization of Phogat's Olympic disqualification as a 'national embarrassment' as inappropriate and vindictive.
- 05Phogat's petition challenges the WFI's eligibility criteria, which she argues are discriminatory and arbitrary due to their overlap with her maternity leave.
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The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Vinesh Phogat, allowing her to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games scheduled for May 30-31, 2026. The court criticized the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) selection policy, which it deemed exclusionary for not accommodating athletes returning from maternity leave. Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia stated that the policy lacked discretion for exceptional athletes like Phogat, who took a sabbatical due to motherhood. The court emphasized that motherhood should not hinder a female athlete's career and highlighted the need for institutional sensitivity towards the challenges faced by women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The court also ordered that the trials be video-recorded and monitored by independent observers from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association. Phogat's participation in the trials is seen as crucial while her appeal against the WFI's policies is under review, as the court aims to prevent her exclusion from the selection process.
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This ruling may encourage other sports organizations to adopt more inclusive policies for female athletes, particularly regarding maternity leave.
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