Supreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat to Compete in Asian Games 2026 Selection Trials

The Supreme Court of India, on May 29, 2026, permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31 at IG Stadium in New Delhi and the Regional Centre in Lucknow, respectively. A bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe declined to stay the Delhi High Court's order that had allowed Phogat to take part in the trials, while hearing a plea filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging that order.

The Dispute Between Phogat and WFI

The legal dispute arose after the WFI excluded Vinesh Phogat from the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, stating that she did not fulfil the eligibility criteria due to a break from competitive wrestling during her maternity period. Phogat had informed the International Testing Agency in December 2024 that she was taking a sabbatical on account of pregnancy and intended to return to competition later. She gave birth in July 2025, resumed training, and the International Testing Agency subsequently confirmed her eligibility to compete from January 1, 2026, onwards.

Delhi High Court Order

On May 22, 2026, the Delhi High Court directed the WFI to allow Phogat to participate in the selection trials. The High Court found that the WFI's selection policy unfairly excluded the wrestler, who was returning from her maternity break. The Court also imposed safeguards: it ordered the WFI to video-record the selection trials and directed that independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) remain present during the trials.

The Supreme Court's Response

When the WFI approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay of the Delhi High Court order, the bench of Justice Narasimha and Justice Aradhe declined to interfere. The Court noted that the trials were imminent and that staying the order at this stage would effectively deny Phogat the opportunity to compete. The bench was, however, concerned with the manner in which the Delhi High Court had examined the issue and indicated that it would hear the WFI's challenge on its merits at a later date.

Legal Significance for Athletes' Rights

The case raises important questions about the rights of athletes returning from maternity leave and the extent to which sports federations can impose eligibility criteria that effectively penalise athletes for pregnancy. The Delhi High Court's reasoning, if upheld, could establish a precedent requiring sports federations to accommodate athletes returning from maternity breaks, provided they meet international eligibility standards.

Key Takeaways

The Supreme Court has allowed Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials by declining to stay the Delhi High Court order. The WFI's exclusion of Phogat on the basis of her maternity break was found by the Delhi High Court to be unfair. The selection trials are being conducted with independent observers and video recording as safeguards. The Supreme Court will hear the WFI's challenge to the Delhi High Court order on its merits at a later stage. The case has implications for athletes' rights, particularly regarding policies that may discriminate against women returning from pregnancy.