The Supreme Court on Friday allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials beginning Saturday, even as it expressed reservations about a Delhi High Court order that had earlier struck down parts of the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) selection policy.A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe was hearing the WFI’s appeal against the May 22 high court judgment, which had held that the federation’s selection criteria—restricting eligibility to wrestlers with recent medals while disregarding past achievements—was exclusionary in nature.
The high court had observed that the policy left no discretion to consider accomplished athletes such as Phogat, particularly in light of her maternity-related sabbatical and recovery period, which affected her eligibility timeline.In Friday’s hearing, the Supreme Court said it was intervening “with reluctance,” noting Phogat’s contributions to Indian wrestling while also emphasising the need to examine the legal correctness of the high court’s approach. The bench indicated that it would “iron out some creases” in the order.
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At the same time, the court questioned the manner in which the high court interfered with the federation’s policy, observing that sports governance involves international implications and structured selection systems that courts must be cautious not to disrupt.The bench also remarked that issues such as womanhood or personal circumstances could not override the sporting framework, while stressing that institutional processes in sports federations must remain consistent with international standards.Senior advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for Phogat, argued that the revised policy marked a departure from earlier practices where past performances of elite athletes were considered.
She maintained that Phogat was not seeking exemption but only the opportunity to compete in trials.The court took note of arguments regarding Phogat’s missed dope test earlier in the year, stating that compliance with anti-doping rules carried consequences in international sport. It also emphasised that sporting integrity and national representation were closely linked.The bench issued notice on the WFI’s appeal and permitted Phogat to participate in the selection trials in the meantime, while clarifying that broader legal questions regarding the policy would be examined in due course.The matter will be heard further next week.
