Wrestling Rivalry Escalates: Vinesh Phogat vs. Wrestling Federation of India
In a new twist to the ongoing legal battle, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court decision that allows wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. This move adds to the tension between the federation and Phogat, who is making a comeback after a maternity break.
A panel of judges, P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, is set to hear the case on Friday. Previously, on May 22, the Delhi High Court granted Phogat the permission to compete in the upcoming trials, criticizing WFI’s selection rules for being restrictive and lacking flexibility for athletes returning from maternity leave.
The high court ordered that the trials, scheduled for May 30 and 31, should be recorded on video. It also mandated the presence of independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to ensure a fair process.
The WFI, led by Sanjay Singh, had earlier ruled Phogat ineligible for the trials, stating that only reigning national champions could participate. This decision came just as Phogat was preparing to return to competitive wrestling after her break.
In its ruling, the Delhi High Court criticized the federation, describing its actions against Phogat as “vindictive” and “retrograde.” The court noted that Phogat was excluded simply because she took time off for motherhood. It emphasized that motherhood should not marginalize female athletes.
The judges also pointed out that the experience of pregnancy and the post-partum phase brings unique physical challenges that are often overlooked in sports policy. They also questioned the lack of intervention by the Sports Ministry and the central government regarding the federation’s actions.
Furthermore, the court condemned a show-cause notice sent by the WFI to Phogat, which referred to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a “national shame.” The judges stated that such remarks showed bad intent and should not have been made.
This ruling has provided significant support for Phogat, who has faced various challenges in Indian wrestling recently, from leading protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to dealing with administrative and legal issues regarding her return.
As the WFI moves to take the matter to the Supreme Court, the dispute intensifies just ahead of the Asian Games trials later this week.
