The Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026, granting her interim relief in a dispute involving the Wrestling Federation of India. The court’s order comes amid an ongoing legal challenge over her eligibility for the trials, while also seeking her response to the federation’s plea contesting her participation.

The case reached the top court after the Wrestling Federation of India filed a Special Leave Petition challenging a ruling of the Delhi High Court. The High Court had earlier permitted Phogat, a three-time Olympian, to compete in the selection trials despite objections based on the federation’s eligibility criteria outlined in its official policy for national team selection.

In its earlier judgment, the Delhi High Court held that motherhood cannot be treated as a “disability” or used as a ground to deny professional sporting opportunities. On that basis, it directed the WFI to allow Phogat to take part in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31, stating that exclusion on such grounds would be inconsistent with principles of fairness in access to competition.

Also Read: Supreme Court Petition Filed Against Order Allowing Vinesh Phogat Trials Participation

During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench observed that denying participation at this stage, after the High Court’s order, would not be appropriate. The bench also made remarks highlighting Phogat’s contribution to Indian sport, stating that she has “made the country proud,” while emphasising that the circumstances warranted allowing her to compete in the upcoming trials.

The court further expressed concern over the pace and manner of judicial intervention in sports selection disputes. It noted that such matters require careful handling, observing that frequent interference can disrupt established sporting schedules. The bench also indicated that sports-related selection processes should not be equated with academic admissions, which follow a different judicial framework.

While granting permission for Phogat to participate in the trials, the Supreme Court has scheduled a full hearing of the Wrestling Federation of India’s petition for next week. It has also directed Phogat to file her response to the challenge, leaving the final determination of eligibility issues to be decided after further judicial examination.

Also Read: Delhi High Court to Examine WFI Selection Policy on Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback Plea