FI moves Supreme Court against Delhi HC order allowing Vinesh Phogat in Asian Games Trials
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s recent order permitting wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on Friday by a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
Earlier on May 22, a division bench of the Delhi High Court had allowed Vinesh Phogat to take part in the upcoming selection trials to be held on May 30 and 31.
The High Court observed that the WFI’s selection policy appeared exclusionary because it did not provide discretionary consideration for accomplished athletes like Phogat, who is returning to competitive wrestling after a maternity break.
The court further directed the Wrestling Federation of India to ensure that the selection trials are video-recorded to maintain transparency in the process.
Additionally, the High Court ordered that one independent observer each from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) should remain present during the trials.
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most prominent wrestlers, has remained at the centre of several major developments in Indian wrestling over the past few years. Her possible return to international competition through the Asian Games trials has attracted significant attention within the sports community.
The Supreme Court is now expected to examine whether the High Court’s directions should remain in force ahead of the scheduled trials later this week.
