SportsLaw – Delhi High Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat Ban
SportsLaw – The Delhi High Court on Friday sharply questioned the Wrestling Federation of India’s decision to bar wrestler Vinesh Phogat from competing in domestic tournaments, raising concerns over the sudden shift in selection rules after the athlete returned from maternity leave.
The court, while hearing the matter, indicated that sports authorities must ensure fairness for athletes of international standing. The bench also urged the Centre to take appropriate steps so that Phogat is not prevented from participating in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials scheduled later this month.
Court Raises Concern Over Selection Policy Shift
During the hearing, the bench noted that earlier policies had allowed experienced and decorated wrestlers to compete even after long breaks. The judges observed that the latest changes introduced by the federation appeared inconsistent with previous practices and questioned the reasoning behind the altered eligibility conditions.
The court orally remarked that motherhood should never become a disadvantage for a sportsperson. It stressed that maternity cannot be treated as a ground for sidelining an athlete who has represented the country at the highest level.
The judges also pointed out that Phogat became a mother in July 2025 and has since been attempting a professional comeback. The bench said the federation’s revised circular and the timing of its actions raised serious questions regarding fairness and transparency.
Show-Cause Notice Triggered Dispute
The legal dispute began after the Wrestling Federation of India issued a detailed show-cause notice to Phogat on May 9. In the notice, the federation accused the wrestler of misconduct, procedural violations linked to anti-doping regulations, and harming the image of Indian wrestling during the Paris Olympics.
Based on those allegations, the federation declared her ineligible for domestic wrestling events until June 26. WFI argued that athletes returning from retirement are required to complete a mandatory six-month waiting period under anti-doping regulations before being allowed to compete again.
However, Phogat challenged the decision before the court, claiming that the federation had unfairly changed the selection process ahead of the Asian Games trials. According to her plea, only recent medal winners from domestic tournaments were made eligible for the trials, despite the fact that she had missed several events because of pregnancy and post-delivery recovery.
Participation in Domestic Tournament Becomes Key Issue
Even after the federation announced the restriction, Phogat took part in the National Open Ranking Tournament held in Gonda. Her legal team argued before the court that the wrestler remained determined to compete and continue her career despite the disciplinary action initiated against her.
Senior counsel appearing for Phogat informed the court that the timing of the show-cause notice appeared questionable because it was issued just a day before she competed in the domestic tournament. The counsel argued that the federation was making repeated attempts to prevent her return to competitive wrestling.
The court also expressed displeasure over portions of the notice that reportedly described her disqualification at the Paris Olympics as a “national shame.” The bench questioned the need for such language and observed that disputes within sports bodies should not damage the interests of athletes or the future of the sport itself.
Background of Earlier Wrestling Protests
Vinesh Phogat has remained one of the most recognised faces in Indian wrestling over the past decade. Apart from her achievements on the mat, she was also among the leading wrestlers who participated in the 2023 protests against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment.
Those protests drew nationwide attention and triggered major discussions around athlete welfare and governance in Indian sports institutions.
The Delhi High Court is expected to continue hearing the matter as Phogat seeks permission to participate in the upcoming selection trials. The case has now sparked a broader debate on athlete rights, maternity support in sports, and transparency in selection procedures followed by national federations.