New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday pulled up the Wrestling Federation of India over wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s exclusion from the 2026 Asian Games selection process, questioning why the sport should suffer because of ongoing disputes within the wrestling administration. Hearing Phogat’s plea challenging her exclusion, the court directed the Centre to constitute an expert committee to assess her case and ensure her participation in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games.
“Whatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of wrestling suffer?” the court said, as quoted by HT, while hearing the matter on Friday.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court had refused to grant interim relief to Phogat for participation in the trials, noting that she had already been declared ineligible for domestic competitions by the WFI.
The WFI, in its notice, accused Phogat of indiscipline and violating anti-doping-related rules, saying she had failed to complete the mandatory notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling regulations.
Under the federation’s policy issued in February and a circular dated May 6, only medal winners from specified national championships were made eligible for the Asian Games selection trials, with past performances not being considered.
