Vinesh Phogat’s World Championship Hopes Suffer Setback As Delhi HC Rejects Plea To Compete In WFI Trials
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has refused to grant wrestler Vinesh Phogat interim permission to participate in the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships, holding that allowing her to compete despite not meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria would amount to creating a special exception in her favour. 'Zverev Is Going To Win…
In a setback for wrestler Vinesh Phogat's aspirations to compete in the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships, the Delhi High Court has denied her plea to be included in the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) selection trials. The Court ruled that granting Phogat provisional entry into the eligibility pool, despite not meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria, would constitute a special exception in her favor.
Phogat's case brought to light the impact of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum recovery on her ability to participate in qualifying competitions. While the Court acknowledged her unique circumstances, it emphasized that participation in selection trials remains subject to WFI's eligibility criteria. The decision, however, did not definitively address the validity of WFI's eligibility circular or the disciplinary proceedings against Phogat.
The Court left open the broader question of whether selection policies should accommodate athletes returning to competition after pregnancy and childbirth.
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