Vinesh Phogat has faced a significant hurdle in her return to the international wrestling scene, as the Delhi High Court denied her request to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. This decision was made by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma who ruled against Phogat, stating that she could not be exempted from the eligibility requirements set by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

The trials are slated for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. The court noted that the eligibility criteria established under the WFI’s circular dated September 7, 2026, apply equally to all athletes. It stated that those unable to participate in the designated competitions, regardless of circumstances, do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the WFI.

While the court acknowledged that Phogat’s pregnancy, childbirth, and subsequent recovery were important factors to consider, it clarified that these conditions alone did not suffice to grant her interim relief from the established selection criteria.

Context Surrounding Phogat’s Legal Challenge

Phogat has a complex situation as she became a mother in July 2025 and subsequently resumed her training and competitive activities. Her current legal challenge focuses on the WFI’s circular issued on September 7, which delineates the eligibility criteria for trials in six Olympic weight categories. This structure is primarily based on performance in specified competitions, attendance at national coaching camps, and selection for the 2026 U20 World Championships.

Phogat has claimed that the existing eligibility framework effectively excludes her due to her inability to compete in qualifying events during her maternity leave. However, she is not requesting automatic entry into the World Championships; rather, she seeks an opportunity to compete in the trials, asserting that her selection for the Indian team should be determined solely by her competitive results.

To demonstrate her readiness, Phogat pointed to her participation in the Asian Games selection trials on May 30, where she competed in the 53kg category, successfully advancing to the semi-finals after winning her quarter-final match. The World Championships are scheduled to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

Dispute Over Maternity Policies in Sports

The ongoing legal proceedings initiated by Phogat are part of a wider petition advocating for a structured policy that supports women athletes returning to competitive sports after experiencing pregnancy and maternity leave. She is seeking clearer selection processes and alternative pathways for athletes who miss out on qualifying competitions due to maternity reasons.

The court expressed caution regarding individual exemptions before making a definitive ruling on the WFI’s policies. It stated that granting interim relief to Phogat could lead to unequal treatment of other athletes who may find themselves in similar situations but are not involved in this legal case.

Furthermore, Phogat is also contesting disciplinary actions initiated by the WFI, including two show-cause notices issued in May and June. The WFI claims that she was provided with opportunities to address the disciplinary allegations. As it stands, the court’s ruling excludes Phogat from the upcoming trials on September 14, while her broader challenge to the WFI’s selection framework is yet to be resolved, ensuring that the dialogue about maternity accommodations in Indian sports continues.

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