Top News

Vinesh Phogat's bid to return to the international wrestling circuit has suffered a major setback after the Delhi High Court reportedly refused to allow her to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championship.

The trials are scheduled to take place on September 14, with Phogat challenging the eligibility criteria that currently prevent her from entering the selection process.

Court Refuses To Make Exception For Phogat

The court's position was that the selection rules must be applied uniformly to all wrestlers. Allowing Phogat to compete provisionally despite not meeting the prescribed criteria would effectively create a separate exception for her, the court observed.

The eligibility dispute stems from the Wrestling Federation of India's selection criteria for the upcoming World Championships.

Phogat has been away from regular competition for an extended period, including a break related to motherhood and health issues. She argued that she should at least be given an opportunity to prove her fitness and competitive ability through the trials.

The WFI, however, has maintained that wrestlers who do not meet the current criteria can work their way back into contention through state and national-level competitions.

Vinesh Phogat's Wrestling Comeback Faces Another Roadblock

The latest development creates another hurdle for Phogat, who has been trying to return to competitive wrestling after her dramatic campaign at the Paris Olympics.

Her legal battle with the WFI has also centred on whether athletes returning after extended breaks should receive an opportunity to compete in selection trials.

Phogat had argued that missing the September 14 trials could severely affect her chances of competing internationally this year.

The court, however, has stressed that selection criteria cannot simply be relaxed for one athlete, with the principle of equal application forming the basis of its decision.