Asian Games 2026: Karnataka High Court orders enquiry through former apex court judge into procedural lapses in selection of surfers
The Karnataka High Court has ordered an inquiry by a retired Supreme Court judge into procedural lapses regarding the selection of surfers for the 2026 Asian Games. While the court identified violations in the selection process, it allowed the current team to proceed to avoid disrupting India's participation.
Why it matters
It highlights issues of governance and transparency within national sports federations and the legal challenges athletes face regarding fair selection.
The High Court of Karnataka has ordered a high-level enquiry through a retired judge of the Supreme Court to find out reasons why Surfing Federation of India (SFI) violated the prescribed norms in the process of selection of athletes for the men’s surfing competition events at the ensuing Asian Games to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Though the Court found violation of selection norms in the fresh selection process undertaken by the SFI’s special selection committee (SSC) after the Appeals Panel found fault in constitution of earlier selection committee, it did not disturb the final list of selected surfers for the Asian Games by ordering a fresh selection process. The Court noted that altering the selection list at this last stage could prejudice India’s participation in the surfing competition.
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