In a major development for Indian sports, the Supreme Court on Friday cleared the path for star wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the upcoming selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.
Rejecting an urgent challenge by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the apex court ruled that Phogat must be allowed to participate in the high-stakes selection trials scheduled to take place this weekend, May 30 and 31.
‘Hope and Expectations Have Risen’
The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe. The judges strongly defended the athlete’s right to compete, emphasizing the psychological and professional toll of turning an athlete away on the eve of a crucial competition.
Addressing the counsel representing the WFI, the bench expressed its firm stance on the matter:
“Today at this stage, the high court having passed the order, the hope and expectations have risen. To tell her to go back home and we can’t do anything, will not be proper. We are very bold in telling you this.”
The Legal Battle Behind the Trials
The Supreme Court’s intervention follows an appeal filed by the WFI. The federation was challenging an earlier order issued by the Delhi High Court, which had initially granted Phogat permission to participate in the selection trials.
By seeking to overturn the High Court’s directive, the WFI had attempted to block the wrestler’s participation just hours before the weekend trials were set to commence.
What Lies Ahead
While Phogat is legally cleared to take the mat on May 30 and 31, the broader legal dispute between the wrestler and the federation remains unresolved. The Supreme Court has posted the WFI’s plea for a formal hearing next week, where the court will delve deeper into the arguments raised by the wrestling body.
For now, however, the spotlight returns to the wrestling mat as Phogat prepares to compete for her spot in the Asian Games 2026.
