WFI challenges Delhi HC’s verdict on Vinesh Phogat in SC:Wrestler was given green light to participate in Asian Games trials; hearing on Friday

The Wrestling Federation of India has challenged Delhi High Court’s verdict in the Vinesh Phogat case, seeking intervention from the Supreme Court. The entire matter revolves around Vinesh’s eligibility to participate in the upcoming selection trials the Asian Games 2026. Earlier, the Delhi Court had given its nod to the participation of Phogat in the upcoming trials for the Asian Games, saying the WFI’s selection policy was exclusionary for the lack of discretion to consider an iconic player like her, who is returning from a maternity break. However, the wrestling body has challenged the decision in the honourable Supreme Court, with a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe scheduled to hear the Federation’s plea on Friday. Meanwhile, in this matter, Ramesh Bohar, President of the Wrestling Association Haryana, reacting, said that WFI has gone to court so that the country’s wrestlers are not wronged. No one will be given direct entry in front of a wrestler who has reached the competition through district, state and national levels. The Wrestling Federation has its own rules; the sport runs by rules. WFI has gone to the Supreme Court for the rights of the wrestlers. Now, all eyes are on the hearing in the Supreme Court, as it could affect the selection process for the Asian Games 2026. Latest twist in Vinesh Phogat’s comeback saga The high court had ordered that the selection trials, to be held on May 30-31, shall be video-recorded by the WFI and an independent observer from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) each shall also remain present. Vinesh Phogat, one of the most prominent names in Indian wrestling, recently announced her decision to come out of retirement after her maternity break. However, given her past history with former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the wrestler-turned-politician has been at loggerheads with the apex body. Vinesh’s name was not inclued in the long-list for Asian Games trials Vinesh’s name was not included in the long list of probable players sent for the Asian Games to be held on September 19. This wrestler’s name was not in the list sent by the Indian Wrestling Federation (WFI) to the Indian Olympic Association (IOC). The IOC then forwarded this same list to the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) and the Japanese organising committee. In such a situation, much will now depend on the OCA’s stance and the ruling of the Supreme Court. The Indian Wrestling Federation had initially disqualified her, citing her maternity leave and other reasons, due to which her name was not sent in the long list. Technical situation regarding the rules in 3 points Winning the trial is the first condition: The Delhi High Court has only granted them the right to participate in the trial. To secure a ticket for the Asian Games, Vinesh must first win the trial in her weight category. It is expected that Vinesh will participate in the 53 or 55 kg weight category. In the 57 kg weight category, Vinesh will compete against Manisha Bhanwala and Neha Sharma. Manisha has won gold in the Asian Wrestling Championship, and Neha has won a silver medal in the Under-23 World Championship. Expiry of the long list deadline: National Sports Federations had to send the final long list to the Asian Games Organising Committee by May 4, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) by May 14, 2026. That deadline has now passed. Organising Committee and OCA Approval Mandatory: Even if the Government of India and IOA agree to send Vinesh’s name on the order of the Delhi High Court, the final decision rests with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Japan Organising Committee. Since her name is not already registered in the system, her inclusion will be considered a special exception (Special Case Request) to the rules. Wrestling Federation had imposed a ban citing anti-doping rules WFI had disqualified Phogat from participating in domestic competitions until June 26, 2026, citing the mandatory six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping rules. The Wrestling Federation had written that Vinesh did not give six months’ notice for her return from retirement. This violated the WFI constitution, United World Wrestling (UWW) rules, and anti-doping provisions. It is worth noting that about 3 years ago, Vinesh had accused Brijbhushan of sexual harassment of female athletes. Regarding this, female wrestlers had also staged a protest against Brijbhushan at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. ​