Wrestling federation challenges order allowing Vinesh Phogat to take part in Asian Games selections

The Wrestling Federation of India has moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, PTI reported. A bench is expected to hear the petition on Friday.

On May 22, the High Court granted permission to Phogat to take part in the trials for the Asian Games, saying that the Wrestling Federation of India’s policy was exclusionary, because it did not allow the federation to consider athletes like Phogat returning after maternity leave. The court had said that a woman should not be at a disadvantage for taking maternity leave.

The High Court had directed that the selection trials, scheduled for May 30 and May 31, be video recorded. It also ordered that one independent observer each from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association should be present during the trials.