Delhi HC Asks WFI About Vinesh Phogat's 2026 World Championship Trials

The Delhi High Court has asked the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to provide its stance on whether wrestler Vinesh Phogat can participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships.

The court's directive came in response to Phogat's fresh application seeking a fair and structured policy for women athletes returning to competitive sport after pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum recovery.

Phogat has challenged the WFI's September 7 circular, which prescribes eligibility criteria for the selection trials, citing that it excludes her from the selection process. She has sought a stay on the operation of the circular and a direction to the WFI to provisionally include her in the eligibility pool.

The WFI's latest selection framework has been criticized by Phogat for creating a 'closed' pathway, making eligibility dependent on participation and performance in specified qualifying competitions without providing an alternative mechanism for athletes who were unable to compete due to pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum recovery.

Phogat's counsel, senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, argued that her maternity-related absence cannot be used to deny her an opportunity to participate in the selection process. The court has listed the matter for hearing on Thursday.

This is not the first time Phogat has faced issues with the WFI's selection criteria. Earlier, she was initially excluded from the May 30-31 selection trials for the Asian Games 2026 under the WFI's revised eligibility criteria. However, the Delhi High Court subsequently permitted her to participate, observing that motherhood cannot be a ground for denying eligibility.

The dispute over Phogat's eligibility is part of her broader challenge to the WFI's selection and disciplinary framework and her demand for a fair pathway for women athletes returning to competitive sport after maternity.

The 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships are scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan's Astana from October 24 to November 1. The women's selection trials are scheduled for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

The court's decision on Phogat's eligibility will have significant implications for women athletes in India, particularly those who have taken a break from competitive sports due to pregnancy and childbirth.

The case highlights the need for a fair and structured policy for women athletes returning to competitive sport, ensuring that they are not unfairly disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control.

In conclusion, the Delhi High Court's decision on Vinesh Phogat's eligibility for the 2026 World Championship trials will be closely watched, as it has the potential to set a precedent for women athletes in India and promote a more inclusive and equitable sports environment.