The Delhi High Court has asked the Union Government and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to respond to a plea from wrestler Vinesh Phogat. She is seeking a clearer and more inclusive guideline for women athletes who wish to return to competition after having a baby.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued a notice to the Indian Olympic Association this past Tuesday, and the court plans to hear the case on November 18. Vinesh’s petition is focused on establishing a fair return-to-competition policy that ensures athletes aren’t disadvantaged due to maternity breaks. She is requesting that selection and nomination be based on objective criteria and that alternative pathways be available for athletes whose performance might be impacted by time away due to pregnancy.
“This raises important issues regarding female athletes and maternity leave, as well as how it affects their chances to compete in sports. International standards typically provide benefits and protections for female athletes returning from maternity leave,” stated senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, who represents Vinesh.
In her petition, Vinesh is also asking to be considered for competitions for which she meets the eligibility criteria. Additionally, she has requested a clear and timely schedule for domestic competitions.
Vinesh, who welcomed her son in July 2025, has since been working on her comeback to wrestling. She pointed out that she was expected to compete under the same selection conditions as other athletes, despite her absence during her pregnancy and maternity leave.
She contends that the current eligibility rules overly focus on performances from events that took place while she was unavailable, leaving little room for athletes, like her, returning from maternity to remain competitive.
In another matter, Vinesh has separately challenged two show-cause notices from the WFI. These notices are set to be addressed in court on September 29. During the most recent court hearing, legal representatives for the WFI indicated that they had arranged hearings for the notices on two occasions, but claimed Vinesh did not attend. They have now given her a final chance, with the next hearing scheduled for September 2.
Vinesh has condemned the notices, issued on May 9 and June 17, as part of an ongoing pattern of unfair treatment by the federation. She argues that the proceedings impede her efforts to return to competitive wrestling after giving birth. Her petition also highlights that the International Testing Agency had cleared her to compete starting January 1, 2026.
Despite this clearance, Vinesh claims the WFI implemented an eligibility system that barred her from selection, following which she received a show-cause notice that included allegations related to anti-doping and whereabouts requirements.
