Delhi HC closes Vinesh Phogat’s Asian Games trials case, asks WFI to decide show-cause notice

The Delhi High Court on Monday disposed of veteran wrestler and three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat’s petition challenging her initial exclusion from the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, holding that the matter had become infructuous following the completion of the trials.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma disposed of the petition after noting that Phogat had already been allowed to participate in the selection process earlier this year.

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The legal dispute stemmed from the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) selection policy, which restricted eligibility for the Asian Games trials to medal winners from specified domestic competitions. Phogat challenged the policy, arguing that it unfairly discriminated against her as she had taken a maternity break and was therefore unable to compete in the qualifying events.

Following a prolonged legal battle, the Delhi High Court had permitted Phogat to participate in the trials in May. She weighed in at 53.9 kg and competed in the 53kg category but saw her Asian Games hopes end after losing to Meenakshi in the semifinals.

The matter had also reached the Supreme Court, which granted Phogat interim relief to compete while hearing WFI’s appeal against the High Court’s order. At the same time, the apex court cautioned against excessive judicial intervention in sports administration, observing that court proceedings should not disrupt the functioning of national sporting federations or competition schedules.

While disposing of the petition on Monday, the High Court directed the Wrestling Federation of India to decide on the show-cause notice issued to Phogat within two weeks.

The WFI had served the notice on May 9, citing multiple issues, including her failure to make weight at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alleged anti-doping whereabouts failures, and her participation in two different weight categories during the Olympic qualifier selection process.

The federation also contended that Phogat could not immediately resume competition after announcing her retirement, arguing that athletes are required to complete a six-month notice period under anti-doping regulations before returning to the sport.

The Delhi High Court had earlier, on May 18, issued notice to the WFI and other respondents on Phogat’s plea challenging both the show-cause notice and her initial exclusion from the Asian Games trials. While declining to grant immediate relief at the time, the court had listed the matter for hearing on July 6 before disposing of it on Monday.