Vinesh Phogat Gets Supreme Court Relief for Asian Games Trials

Supreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games Trials Amid WFI Challenge

New Delhi : In a major relief for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Supreme Court has permitted her to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The decision comes despite the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s order that allowed her entry into the trials.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe. While granting temporary relief to Vinesh Phogat, the apex court also sought her response on the petition filed by WFI against her participation.

The Wrestling Federation of India had approached the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP), arguing that Vinesh did not meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in the federation’s official policy. WFI had strongly objected to the Delhi High Court’s intervention in allowing the three-time Olympian to compete in the trials.

Last week, the Delhi High Court observed that “motherhood cannot be treated as a disqualification or a reason to deny professional opportunities.” Based on this observation, the High Court directed WFI to allow Vinesh to participate in the selection trials scheduled on May 30 and 31.

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During the hearing, the Supreme Court made a powerful observation in support of the wrestler. The bench stated, “Had this been an ordinary individual, the situation may have been different. But she has brought glory to the nation.”

The court further remarked that after the High Court’s order, Vinesh’s hopes and expectations had naturally increased. “At this stage, it would not be appropriate to tell her to simply return home because nothing can be done now,” the bench clearly stated.

However, the Supreme Court also raised serious concerns over repeated judicial intervention in sports-related matters. The bench noted that such urgent interference could disturb the functioning and schedule of national and international sporting events.

Justice P. S. Narasimha, during the hearing, orally observed, “These are not admissions to medical colleges; this is national and international sports. Courts cannot interfere in such a manner and disrupt the entire schedule.”

While Vinesh Phogat has received temporary relief for now, the Supreme Court is expected to hear the WFI’s main petition in detail next week. The case has once again triggered a nationwide debate on athlete rights, motherhood in professional sports, and the role of courts in sports administration.