India
oi-Prakash KL
The Supreme Court on Friday said that famous wrestler Vinesh Phogat can take part in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games. The Court refused to stop an earlier order by the Delhi High Court that allowed her to compete.
The Supreme Court praised Vinesh for her achievements. “She has made the country proud,” the Court said. “If it were any other athlete, the situation might have been different.”
The Supreme Court permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials, upholding a Delhi High Court order against the Wrestling Federation of India’s appeal. Concerns were raised about a missed doping test, but Phogat can compete in trials starting May 30 pending further review.
What Is The Case About?
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had challenged the High Court’s order. They did not want Vinesh to be allowed in the trials. The Supreme Court heard their plea but decided not to cancel the High Court’s order.
However, the top court did raise some concerns about how the High Court handled the matter. Even so, because the trials start soon, the Supreme Court said Vinesh must be allowed to participate.
“You can go and take part,” the Court told Vinesh clearly.
What were the Court’s concerns?
The Supreme Court pointed out a few things:
- Vinesh had taken a break in December 2024 and said she would return in August 2025.
- She became a mother in July 2025 and told the Federation she would be ready from January 1, 2026.
- But in January, she missed a doping test. Vinesh said she was busy with her duties as an MLA in Haryana. The International Testing Agency (ITA) did not accept this excuse.
The Court explained that global rules must be followed. Missing a doping test can have serious results because Indian sports are connected to world sports. “If there is a disqualification at the global level, it reflects badly on India,” the judges observed.
What happens now?
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Vinesh on the WFI’s plea. The Court will examine all the issues in detail later. But for now, Vinesh is free to compete in the selection trials starting May 30.
