Wrestling – Delhi High Court Questions WFI Decision Against Vinesh Phogat
Wrestling – The Delhi High Court on Friday raised concerns over the Wrestling Federation of India’s decision to bar wrestler Vinesh Phogat from participating in domestic competitions, observing that internal disagreements within the federation should not negatively affect the sport itself.
The matter came before the court after the federation issued a show-cause notice to Phogat on May 9. In its notice, the WFI cited multiple reasons for declaring her ineligible, including her failure to meet the required weight category during the 2024 Paris Olympics, alleged lapses connected to anti-doping whereabouts regulations, and her appearance in two separate weight divisions during trials conducted for an Olympic qualifying event.
Court Reviews Federation’s Stand
During the proceedings, the High Court questioned whether the federation had altered its selection norms specifically in Phogat’s case. The Bench orally observed that sporting institutions must ensure fairness while dealing with athletes, especially in circumstances involving personal milestones such as motherhood, which the court described as something respected across the country.
The judges further remarked that wrestling should not become a casualty of administrative disputes or internal conflicts. According to the court, preserving the integrity and continuity of the sport remains important regardless of disagreements between athletes and governing bodies.
Federation Refers to Anti-Doping Rules
The Wrestling Federation of India argued before the court that Phogat could not immediately return to competitive wrestling because anti-doping regulations require athletes to complete a six-month notice period after retirement.
Phogat had announced her retirement after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics following the weight-limit controversy. Months later, her personal life entered a new phase when she became a mother and gave birth to a baby boy in July 2025.
However, in December 2025, the celebrated wrestler publicly declared her intention to return to professional wrestling, indicating that she was preparing to resume active competition despite the setbacks she had faced earlier in her career.
Participation Despite Ineligibility
Even after the federation declared her ineligible, Phogat took part in the National Open Ranking Tournament held in Gonda. She also submitted a formal response to the show-cause notice, challenging the federation’s position and opposing the restrictions imposed on her participation.
The case has drawn considerable attention in sporting circles because of Phogat’s long-standing association with major controversies involving the wrestling administration in India. Her legal challenge is now being closely followed by athletes, sports officials, and supporters of wrestling across the country.
Background of Earlier Protest
The latest dispute has also revived discussion around the allegations previously levelled against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Phogat had earlier stated publicly that she was among the six women wrestlers who accused Singh of sexual harassment.
She was also one of the prominent faces of the wrestlers’ protest staged in 2023, where several athletes demanded action against the former federation president. The protest had triggered nationwide debate over athlete safety, accountability in sports administration, and the functioning of wrestling authorities in India.
The High Court is expected to continue hearing the matter as both sides present further arguments regarding eligibility rules, athlete rights, and federation procedures. The outcome of the case could have wider implications for how sporting bodies handle disputes involving active athletes returning to competition after retirement or maternity breaks.