Delhi HC Asks WFI to Frame Guidelines For Athletes Returning After Maternity

The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to frame clear guidelines and timelines for athletes returning to competitive sport after pregnancy and childbirth. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said such guidelines were necessary to balance the interests of the country with those of athletes, particularly women who take a break from competition due to maternity.

The observations came while the court was hearing wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s plea seeking permission to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. The court noted that the absence of clear rules could create unfairness for athletes who temporarily step away from competitive sport because of pregnancy and childbirth.

Justice Sharma also highlighted the broader challenges faced by women athletes after marriage and motherhood. She observed that while women may have to pause their careers to give birth and care for children, male athletes can continue competing, winning medals and securing qualification opportunities during the same period.

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The judge said sporting bodies should take steps to address this imbalance and ensure that women are not unfairly disadvantaged because of maternity. Drawing a comparison with the legal profession, Justice Sharma said women lawyers can also face difficulties when returning to work after having children, including losing clients during their absence. She stressed that institutions should formulate policies that protect individual interests while also considering the interests of the country.

Phogat’s counsel alleged that the WFI had acted arbitrarily and was deliberately targeting the wrestler. The counsel claimed that Phogat was informed about the selection criteria only on September 7, despite the trials being scheduled for September 14. The lawyer argued that the federation’s conduct showed alleged malice and bias against the athlete.

The Delhi High Court said it would pass an order on Phogat’s application. The court’s observations also put the focus on the need for clearer policies governing athletes who return to competition after maternity, particularly when selection trials and qualification opportunities are involved. Such guidelines could help ensure that breaks related to pregnancy and childbirth do not unfairly affect athletes’ chances of continuing their sporting careers.

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