Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat in Asian Games Trials

On 22 May 2026, the Delhi High Court allowed Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026. The trials are scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026, and the case involved eligibility rules issued by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Selection Trials and Eligibility Rules

The WFI introduced revised eligibility criteria in 2026 for the Asian Games trials. Under the new rule, only reigning national champions from the previous season were eligible for the trials. Vinesh Phogat was declared ineligible under this criterion because she had been on a maternity break since December 2024.

Delhi High Court Bench and Directions

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard the appeal against a 18 May 2026 order of a single-judge bench. The court ordered that the selection trials be video-recorded and that two independent observers be nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.

Wrestling Federation of India and Athlete Eligibility

The Wrestling Federation of India is the national governing body for wrestling in India and functions under the framework of the National Sports Development Code. Eligibility rules for national trials in Indian sport are generally framed by the concerned federation and are subject to judicial review under constitutional law.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Asian Games are a multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia.
• The Sports Authority of India was established in 1984 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• The Indian Olympic Association is the National Olympic Committee for India.
• Vinesh Phogat won a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in wrestling.

Judicial Review in Sports Matters

The Delhi High Court is a constitutional court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Sports disputes in India can reach High Courts when questions arise over eligibility, selection, or fairness in the application of federation rules.