The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order that allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to take part in an Asian Championship qualification bout.
Phogat, 31, had earlier reached the final of the Paris Olympics 2024 but was disqualified for being overweight. She later announced retirement, then withdrew that decision and sought to return to competition, including a senior ranking event in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, in the 57 kg category, with an eye on the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
WFI imposed a ban on her participation until June 26, stating that she had not followed the prescribed rules for returning from retirement. Phogat challenged the decision before the Delhi High Court.
A bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, with Justice Tejas Karia, held that she was eligible to participate in the selection/qualifier and observed that athletes should not be denied opportunities on the ground of motherhood. The court also noted that an international sports tribunal had found no fault on her part and allowed her to compete in the qualifier scheduled for May 30.
WFI has now filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the matter on May 29.
