Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The Delhi High Court on Friday strongly criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible to participate in domestic tournaments.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the Centre to constitute a panel of experts to evaluate Phogat’s condition and ensure she is allowed to participate in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.
The court observed that WFI’s refusal to follow its earlier practice of allowing top athletes to compete “speaks volumes.” The bench further remarked that motherhood is celebrated in the country and sports bodies should not act with a sense of “vendetta.”
During the hearing, the High Court orally asked the Centre to have experts assess Phogat’s fitness and prospects. “Let experts evaluate her chances. Ensure that she can participate,” the bench said.
Phogat is seeking to make a return to competitive wrestling after maternity leave and had approached the court after being denied participation in the trials.
Earlier, on May 18, the Delhi High Court had refused to grant interim relief to Phogat for participation in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.
