Delhi HC Rejects Vinesh Phogat's Plea, World Championship Comeback Takes Big Hit

10 Sep 2026, 16:50 by Prateek Thakur · abp Live

Delhi High Court has reportedly rejected Vinesh Phogat's plea to participate in the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship selection trials.

Written By : Prateek Thakur | Updated at : 10 Sep 2026 10:42 PM (IST)

Delhi HC has reportedly rejected Vinesh Phogat's Plea to Participate In World Championship Trials.
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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Delhi High Court denied Vinesh Phogat's wrestling trial participation.
Court emphasized uniform application of selection rules for all.
Phogat challenged eligibility, WFI maintains existing selection criteria.
Setback creates hurdle for Phogat's international comeback attempt.

Vinesh Phogat's bid to compete at the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship has entered another crucial stage after the Delhi High Court heard her plea challenging the eligibility criteria for the September 14 selection trials.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the court on Thursday asked the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to consider framing guidelines for women athletes returning to competitive sport after maternity leave. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also stressed the need to balance the country's interests with those of individual athletes.

Delhi HC Raises Maternity Return Issue With WFI

Phogat is seeking permission to participate in the selection trials after her return to competitive wrestling following pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum recovery.

Her legal challenge centres on the WFI's September 7 selection criteria, which she argues effectively prevent her from entering the trials because she missed certain qualifying competitions during her maternity break.

The trials are scheduled for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Delhi, with the World Championships set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

The latest hearing also brought the wider issue of maternity policies in Indian sport into focus. The court indicated that WFI should consider a structured mechanism to facilitate the return of women athletes after maternity leave.

Phogat's Lawyer Calls WFI Criteria 'Absolute Arbitrariness'

According to Hindustan Times, Senior Advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Phogat, accused the WFI of acting with "absolute arbitrariness".

Rao argued that Phogat was informed about the selection criteria only on September 7 and that the framework effectively shut her out of the selection process despite her return to competitive wrestling.

He submitted that the rules could leave Phogat out of contention for another two years, arguing that this could seriously affect the latter part of her career.

The WFI, however, disputed the suggestion that Phogat had been barred from competing. Its counsel told the court that she had not been banned and remained eligible to compete at state and national levels before progressing through the selection pathway.

What Happens Next For Vinesh Phogat?

The latest hearing does not amount to a final rejection of Phogat's plea. The Delhi High Court had sought instructions from the WFI on whether she could participate in the trials, with the matter listed for further hearing.

Phogat's case has now become part of a broader debate over how sporting bodies should accommodate athletes returning after maternity leave while maintaining transparent and uniform selection standards.

The court's latest observations could therefore have implications beyond Phogat's immediate World Championship hopes, particularly for women athletes attempting to return to elite competition after childbirth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Vinesh Phogat unable to participate in the wrestling selection trials?

The Delhi High Court refused her participation because she did not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship trials. The court insisted on uniform application of rules.

What was the Delhi High Court's reason for its decision regarding Vinesh Phogat?

The court insisted that selection rules must be applied uniformly to all wrestlers. Granting Phogat an exception would contradict the principle of equal application for all participants.

How does the WFI suggest wrestlers who don't meet criteria return to competition?

The WFI maintains that wrestlers who do not meet the current criteria can work their way back into contention by participating in state and national-level competitions.

What impact will missing the September 14 trials have on Vinesh Phogat?

Phogat argued that missing these trials could severely affect her chances of competing internationally this year. This creates another hurdle for her return to competitive wrestling.

About the author Prateek Thakur

Prateek Thakur is a Copy Editor at ABP Live English, reporting on major sporting events while spotlighting the human stories of athletes that matter.

You can reach out to him at prateekt@abpnetwork.com.

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Published at : 10 Sep 2026 10:20 PM (IST)
Tags :
Wrestling Delhi High Court Vinesh Phogat WFI Breaking News World Wrestling Championship ABP Live Indian Wrestling