Vinesh Phogat plea : Delhi HC questions WFI policy on women returning after maternity

The Delhi High Court on Thursday said the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) should frame guidelines to balance the interests of the country and athletes, particularly women returning to competitive sport after maternity.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said the absence of clear guidelines and timelines could result in unfairness, and observed that women often have to step back from their careers after marriage and childbirth while men continue to compete.

The observations came while hearing wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s plea seeking permission to participate in the women’s selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. The court said it would pass an order on her application.

Phogat has challenged a September 7 WFI circular prescribing eligibility criteria for the selection trials scheduled for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi. She has sought a stay on the circular, arguing that it does not provide any mechanism for athletes who missed qualifying competitions because of maternity.

Phogat’s counsel alleged that the WFI had acted arbitrarily and with bias against the wrestler. He said she was informed about the selection criteria only on September 7, just days before the trials.

WFI’s counsel, however, said Phogat had not been barred from participating and could compete if she met the eligibility criteria under the federation’s policy. He also argued that other wrestlers had returned successfully after maternity and regained their form.

The court questioned the policy, saying women athletes should not be disadvantaged simply because they take time away from competition for childbirth.

“This is the problem,” Justice Sharma said, stressing the need for guidelines that balance the interests of athletes with those of the country.

Phogat, who became a mother in July 2025, has sought a fair and structured framework for women returning to competitive sport after pregnancy and maternity leave. She has also sought transparent selection and nomination procedures and an alternative mechanism for athletes affected by maternity-related absence.

The wrestler has separately challenged two show-cause notices issued by the WFI and disciplinary proceedings initiated against her. The federation has maintained that it gave her opportunities to appear before it and a final hearing was scheduled.