New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held on May 30, while refusing to stay a Delhi High Court order granting her relief.
A Bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe told Phogat that she could go ahead and compete in the trials, even as it raised concerns over the High Court’s intervention in the selection process.
“We are not stopping, you go and participate,” the Bench observed during the hearing of a petition filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging the Delhi High Court’s May 22 order.
At the same time, the apex court questioned the High Court’s approach, saying judicial orders should not disrupt sporting schedules and established selection procedures.
“You are an excellent wrestler… you have made the country proud but it’s the country first. The High Court can’t disrupt the entire schedule,” Justice Narasimha remarked, while acknowledging Phogat’s international achievements.
The Supreme Court also highlighted concerns related to anti-doping compliance. The Bench noted that Phogat had taken a sabbatical in December 2024 and later informed the WFI that she would return to competition from January 1, 2026, after becoming a mother in July 2025.
However, the court pointed out that she had missed a doping test in January and that the International Testing Agency (ITA) had rejected her explanation that she was attending the Haryana Assembly as an MLA at the time.
“What is concerning is that when the ITA test is missed, it has a logical consequence, because Indian sports is integrally connected to world sports. If some kind of disqualification appears at the global level, it reflects on India. You did not give the whereabouts for the doping test and missed the first doping test,” the Bench observed.
The Delhi High Court, in its earlier order, had described Phogat as an “iconic athlete” and said the WFI’s selection policy lacked flexibility for athletes returning from maternity breaks. The High Court had directed that she be given a fair opportunity to compete in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
To ensure transparency, the High Court had also ordered the WFI to video-record the trials in the presence of independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The WFI, however, argued before the Supreme Court that selection criteria must be uniformly applied to maintain fairness and consistency. It also said that a list of probable players had already been forwarded to the international wrestling body.
The Supreme Court has not stayed the High Court’s directions for now, allowing Phogat to take part in the trials while the legal challenge continues.
