The Delhi High Court has refused interim relief to wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who had sought permission to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships despite not meeting the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order on September 10, 2026, in a petition concerning WFI’s selection framework and Phogat’s return to competitive wrestling after pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum recovery.
Background of the Case
Phogat had remained away from competitive wrestling during 2024-2025 due to pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum recovery. She had informed the relevant sporting and anti-doping authorities about her sabbatical and proposed return. The International Testing Agency had confirmed that she could compete from January 1, 2026.
However, WFI’s selection criteria relied on participation in specified competitions during a period when she had been away from the sport. She was also prevented from participating in the Senior Open Ranking Tournament at Gonda after WFI issued a show cause notice declaring her ineligible for WFI events until June 26, 2026.
The Delhi High Court’s Division Bench later permitted her to participate in the Asian Games Selection Trials. Phogat competed in the 53 kg category and reached the semi-final. WFI subsequently issued another show cause notice concerning alleged misconduct during those trials. Both disciplinary proceedings remained pending.
Court’s Observation
Phogat challenged WFI’s September 7, 2026 circular, which prescribed eligibility criteria for the trials for the Senior World Wrestling Championships scheduled in Kazakhstan.
The Court noted that the criteria applied uniformly to all athletes and were not framed specifically against Phogat. It also said that the larger question of whether selection policies should provide a mechanism for athletes returning after pregnancy and childbirth would require detailed consideration at the final stage of the case.
The Court further noted that Phogat’s pending disciplinary proceedings could not be ignored while considering her request for another interim exemption, although it expressly declined to examine the merits of those allegations.
"Participation in the Selection Trials itself is subject to the eligibility criteria prescribed by respondent no. 1."
The Court held that allowing Phogat to participate provisionally would effectively create a special exception for her before the validity of WFI’s policy had been finally examined. It also noted that such an exception could affect other athletes facing similar issues.
Decision
The Delhi High Court declined to grant interim permission to Vinesh Phogat to participate in the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships.
The Court clarified that it was not expressing any final opinion on the validity of WFI’s September 7 circular or the pending disciplinary proceedings. Phogat’s application, CM APPL. 61231/2026, was accordingly dismissed.
The main writ petition was directed to be listed on September 29, 2026.
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