In Brief
- Delhi HC denied Vinesh Phogat's participation in 2026 World Championships trials.
- Court highlighted potential unequal treatment of other athletes in selection process.
- Vinesh recently returned to competitive wrestling after pregnancy.
- Decision pending adjudication of the wrestling federation's selection policy.
The Delhi High Court on September 11 refused to allow wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. The court's decision was based on the submission that permitting her to compete without first resolving disputes regarding the selection policy might result in unequal treatment of other wrestlers not party to the case.
Vinesh Phogat, who recently resumed her wrestling career following pregnancy, sought permission to take part in the trials. However, the court emphasized that the selection procedures must be adjudicated beforehand to ensure fairness and equality among all athletes.
The wrestling federation's selection policy is currently contested, and the court held that granting Vinesh participation prematurely could prejudice other wrestlers similarly situated.
Officials stated the ruling underlines the need for clear and consistent selection criteria to uphold transparency in sports trials.
