The Delhi High Court has granted major relief to Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat by allowing her to participate in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials. The trials are scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31 and will help decide India’s squad for the continental event.
Phogat approached the court after the Wrestling Federation of India refused to allow her to participate following her maternity break. “It is necessary that (Phogat) is permitted to participate in the Selection Trials in the interest of sport and justice. In view of the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, it is clear that, except for (Phogat’s) motherhood and the SCN issued by WFI, she would be entitled to participate in the Selection Trials. Therefore, the circumstances were beyond her control… it is deemed appropriate to protect the interest of (Phogat) by permitting her to participate in the Selection Trials,” A division bench consisting of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made this ruling, as reported by The Indian Express.
Court questions federation’s decision
During the hearing, the court raised serious concerns over the Wrestling Federation of India’s stand. The bench questioned whether the federation had changed its rules in a way that unfairly affected the wrestler.
The Delhi High Court has cleared Vinesh Phogat to compete in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, set to take place on May 30 and 31#vineshphogat #AsianGames #wrestling pic.twitter.com/ydr72FDwpG
 Sports Today (@SportsTodayofc) May 23, 2026
It also observed that motherhood should not become a reason to deny an athlete the chance to compete again.
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The court further criticised reported comments made by the federation regarding Phogat’s Paris Olympics setback. Judges said such remarks were unnecessary and inappropriate for a national sports body.
Major boost for comeback
The decision now opens the door for Phogat’s return to top-level wrestling. One of India’s most successful wrestlers, she has remained in the spotlight after she struggled with the federation and her emotional exit from the Paris Olympics campaign.
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The court also stressed that sports organisations must focus on fairness and athlete welfare while making selection decisions. With the trials approaching, attention will now shift to whether Phogat can secure a place in India’s Asian Games squad and restart her international journey on a strong note.
