New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday disposed of the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) petition challenging a Delhi High Court order that allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, observing that the matter had become infructuous due to subsequent developments.
A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar noted that Phogat had already been allowed to take part in the trials and that the issue no longer required judicial intervention. The court clarified that its order should not be construed as endorsing or reiterating any observations made by the Delhi High Court in the case.
During the hearing, senior advocate D.N. Goburdhun, appearing for the WFI, informed the court that although Phogat had participated in the selection trials, she was unsuccessful. He also objected to certain remarks made by the High Court regarding the federation’s conduct, including observations describing its actions as “mala fide” and “deplorable”.
Goburdhun urged the Supreme Court to address those observations, arguing that the matter remained pending before a single-judge bench of the High Court. However, the apex court declined to examine the issue and stated that all questions raised in the proceedings would remain open for consideration in appropriate proceedings.
The court subsequently disposed of the petition, holding that the federation’s challenge had lost its relevance following the completion of the selection trials.
On May 29, the Supreme Court had allowed Phogat to participate in the trials conducted on May 30 and 31 for selection to India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games. The WFI had challenged a Delhi High Court order dated May 22 that granted her permission to compete in those trials.
