Delhi HC pulls up Wrestling Federation over decision to declare Vinesh Phogat ‘ineligible’

Earlier this year, the WFI framed its Asian Games selection policy. On May 6, it issued a circular restricting eligibility for the selection trials to medal winners of the 2025 Senior National Wrestling Championship, 2026 Senior Federation Cup, 2026 Under-20 National Wrestling Championship and Under-23 National Wrestling Championship, provided these events were held before the trials.

The circular also clarified that past performances would not be considered, effectively rendering Phogat ineligible, as the qualification window substantially overlapped with her sabbatical, return-to-training phase, pregnancy-related break and post-partum recovery period.

On May 9, the WFI further issued a notice barring Phogat from participating in domestic competitions till June 26, alleging indiscipline and violations related to anti-doping regulations, weight-related disqualification at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and failure to complete the mandatory six-month notice period required for athletes returning from retirement under United World Wrestling anti-doping rules.