HC denies Vinesh Phogat entry to Worlds trials: ‘Not inclined to grant exemption’
The Delhi High Court denied wrestler Vinesh Phogat's request for an interim exemption from eligibility criteria to participate in the 2026 Senior World Championships trials. The court ruled that the current policy must apply uniformly to all athletes, regardless of individual circumstances like maternity recovery.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights the tension between rigid sports eligibility policies and the need for inclusive accommodations for athletes returning from life events.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to allow wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the women’s selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships, declining her request for an interim exemption from the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, in a late-night interim order, said that at this stage, the court was not inclined to grant an interim exemption from the eligibility criteria to allow Phogat to participate in the selection trials on September 14.“To reiterate, the criteria prescribed under the circular dated September 7, 2026 apply uniformly to all athletes. An athlete who has not participated in the prescribed competitions, for whatever reason, would not fall within the eligibility categories specified by respondent no.
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