Delhi HC Disposes Phogat’s Plea Challenging Exclusion From Asian Games

The Delhi High Court on Monday disposed of Indian wrestler and three-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat's petition challenging her initial exclusion from the trials for the upcoming Asian Games, terming it infructuous.

Notably, Vinesh's trials in May this year eventually came after a prolonged legal battle between her and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) over the selection policy for the Asian Games 2026.

Phogat eventually weighed in at 53.9 kg and was placed in the 53kg draw. However, her hopes of contending at the Asian Games ended as she lost to



Meenakshi in the semifinals. 

The court had allowed Phogat's participation after she challenged WFI's selection policy, which restricted eligibility to medal winners from specified domestic events, arguing it was discriminatory due to her maternity-related break.

The matter also reached the Supreme Court of India, which granted her interim relief to compete while hearing WFI's challenge, though it also cautioned against excessive judicial interference in sports administration and emphasised that national sporting schedules should not be disrupted.