Delhi High Court rejects Vinesh Phogat’s plea to compete in World Championships trials

Delhi High Court rejected Vinesh Phogat’s plea seeking permission to compete in selection trials for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships. | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

The Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected Vinesh Phogat’s request to take part in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships.

Phogat had moved the court after being left out under Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) eligibility criteria for the trials, which are scheduled for September 14.

Her lawyers argued that the wrestler had only recently returned to competition following pregnancy, childbirth and recovery, and that the existing pathway placed her at a disadvantage. It was also submitted that she had been informed about the relevant criteria only days before the trials.

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to wave green flag at Michelin Le Mans Cup Silverstone round

The WFI, however, maintained that Phogat had not been barred from competing and could participate in domestic events before becoming eligible under the established selection process.

The court refused to grant her provisional entry, observing that doing so would amount to creating a special exception to rules applicable to other wrestlers.

At the same time it recognised the difficulties faced by women athletes returning to sport after maternity break and asked the federation to consider framing suitable guidelines for such players.

The Senior World Wrestling Championships are scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.