The Delhi High Court has mandated the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to address two show-cause notices issued to wrestler Vinesh Phogat within a fortnight. This directive was given by Justice Amit Mahajan during a hearing on October 29, 2026, concerning Phogat’s petition. The court emphasised that athletes must be in a mentally relaxed state to compete effectively, highlighting the importance of mental well-being in sports.

Justice Mahajan clarified that the decisions regarding the notices, which were issued on May 9 and June 17, would be suspended until the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2027. The court’s ruling aims to ensure that Phogat’s ability to compete is not adversely affected by unresolved disciplinary issues.

Phogat’s Participation in Upcoming Trials Under Scrutiny

The court has also ruled against Phogat’s participation in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. This decision was made to prevent any potential unfair advantage for her, as the court noted that allowing her to compete without resolving the selection policy could lead to unequal treatment of other athletes who are not involved in the legal proceedings.

Phogat’s senior counsel argued that there has been no final ruling on the show-cause notices and expressed concerns that any unfavourable decision before upcoming tournaments could leave her without appropriate recourse. The lawyer stated that Phogat intends to participate in a national tournament scheduled for mid-December, but the pending notices are creating uncertainty regarding her eligibility.

Justice Mahajan acknowledged the genuine concerns raised by Phogat’s counsel, reiterating the necessity for athletes to be in a fit mental state to perform. The court’s directive to the WFI aims to expedite the decision-making process regarding the show-cause notices.

Background of the Show-Cause Notices

The show-cause notices issued to Phogat stem from allegations of indiscipline and violations of anti-doping regulations. The WFI has reportedly accused her of breaching rules by competing in two weight categories during trials conducted by an ad-hoc committee in March 2024, at a time when the WFI was not officially recognised by the government.

Phogat’s petition alleges that the WFI’s actions are part of a broader pattern of arbitrary and malicious conduct aimed at hindering her return to competitive wrestling following her maternity leave. The petition also highlights that the International Testing Agency had cleared her to compete starting January 1, 2026, yet the WFI’s eligibility framework appears to exclude her from the selection process.

The ongoing proceedings related to the show-cause notices are seen as a significant barrier to Phogat’s participation in elite competitions. Her legal team argues that these actions could jeopardise her eligibility and opportunities in upcoming events, further complicating her return to the sport.

As the situation develops, the WFI is expected to respond to the court’s order within the stipulated two-week timeframe. The outcome of this case could have substantial implications for Phogat’s career and the broader context of athlete rights within Indian wrestling.

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