Delhi HC Rejects Vinesh Phogat's Plea to Compete in 2026 World Wrestling Trials
The Delhi High Court declined wrestler Vinesh Phogat's interim plea to participate in the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships selection trials. Justice Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma held that maternity-related absence does not warrant exemption from uniform selection criteria, and granting interim relief would create an exception only in her favour before the selection policy's validity is adjudicated.
Phogat had sought directions to the Wrestling Federation of India to formulate a fair framework allowing women athletes to return to competitive sport following pregnancy and post-partum recovery without disadvantage. The court acknowledged the broader question of whether selection policies must accommodate post-maternity athletes, but deferred final adjudication on the substantive challenge and pending disciplinary proceedings.
