The Delhi High Court has permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games 2026 selection trials, rejecting the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) exclusionary policy that barred her due to maternity leave, according to livemint.com. This ruling overturns a previous single-judge bench order from May 18 that had denied her immediate relief for participation in the trials scheduled for May 30-31.
Phogat had appealed against the earlier decision, arguing that her maternity status should not prevent her from competing in the selection process. The Delhi High Court emphasized that motherhood cannot be used as a ground for exclusion, allowing her to compete alongside other athletes. The court’s intervention came after WFI’s policy effectively sidelined Phogat during her maternity leave, raising questions about athlete rights and gender discrimination in sports governance.
This judgment is significant in the context of Indian sports, where female athletes often face challenges balancing motherhood and professional careers. It sets a precedent against exclusionary practices based on maternity, potentially influencing policies across sports federations. The ruling aligns with broader movements advocating for gender equality and support for athlete mothers, highlighting the need for inclusive frameworks in competitive sports.
Following the court’s directive, Vinesh Phogat is now eligible to compete in the Asian Games selection trials at the end of May. Observers will watch how this decision impacts her performance and the WFI’s future policies on maternity and athlete participation. The outcome may also encourage other sports bodies to revise exclusionary rules affecting women athletes.