New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Heavy criticism on the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring a famous wrestler on Friday Vinesh Phogat “Ineligible” for domestic competitions, questioning whether the federation had changed its rules specifically to target star grapplers after maternity leave.A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Kariya orally observed that the federation’s conduct was “not in the best interest of sports” and directed the Center to constitute an expert panel to assess Phogat’s fitness and eligibility. Asian Games Selection Trials“Ask the experts to assess her chances… make sure she participates,” the court told the government counsel during the hearing.The bench also came down hard on the federation’s attitude towards wrestlers, stressing that maternity should never be a detriment to a sportsperson.“She became a mother in July 2025. We are in May. She is a wrestler of international repute. Why can’t it be understood that you have changed (the selection criteria) for her?” The court gave oral remarks.“Whatever the quarrel or quarrel, why should there be harm due to sports? Motherhood is celebrated in the country, should it harm a human being?” he added.‘Deviation from first circular speaks volumes’The court strongly questioned the WFI’s sudden change from its earlier practice of allowing eminent athletes to compete despite exceptional circumstances.“The change in the circular says it all. Don’t behave like this. It is not in the best interest of sports. The deviation from the earlier circular speaks volumes,” Bench observed.Phogat had challenged the May 18 order of a single judge denying him immediate relief to participate in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.His lawyer argued that the federation’s May 9 show-cause notice – issued just before his participation in a domestic event in Gonda – suggested a deliberate attempt to keep him out.The court also expressed dismay at the wording of the notice, which allegedly described his disqualification from the Paris Olympics as a “national embarrassment”.The WFI banned Phogat from domestic competition until June 26, 2026, citing anti-doping rules that mandate a six-month notice period for players returning from retirement.
