The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday provided major relief to ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat, permitting her to participate in the selection trails for the 2026 Asian Games. The verdict gave a major boost to the three-time Olympian’s hopes of returning to international competition.

The top court’s ruling came after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenged the Delhi High Court’s (HC) decision, which had allowed Phogat to compete in the trials despite objections raised over eligibility criteria.

SC chooses not to interfere with Delhi HC’s interim order

A bench of the Apex court, comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe heard the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the federation against the Delhi HC’s decision. The federation argued that Phogat did not meet the conditions laid down in its official selection policy and therefore, should not have been given a green signal to participate.

However, the SC chose not to interfere with the HC’s interim order at this stage, paving the way for the decorated Indian wrestler to appear in the trials scheduled for May 30 and 31, 2026.

“She has made the country proud,” says SC

The bench made observations in support of Phogat, acknowledging her achievements and stature in Indian sport. It remarked, “If it were anybody else, it would have been on a different footing. She has made the country proud.” The judges further indicated that reversing the Delhi HC’s order at the last moment would be unfair, particularly when expectations had already been raised following the earlier relief granted to the wrestler.

The bench addressed the WFI’s counsel, saying, “Today, at this stage, the High Court having passed the order, hopes and expectations have risen. To tell her to go back home because we cannot do anything would not be proper. We are very bold in telling you this.”

Delhi HC had backed Phogat’s plea

Notably, last week, the Delhi HC had ruled in Phogat’s favour, ruling that motherhood cannot be treated as a disability or used as a ground to deny professional opportunities to women athletes. The court issued orders to the WFI to allow the celebrated wrestler to participate in the selection process, emphasising the need for a more inclusive and sensitive approach towards female athletes returning after childbirth.

The HC’s ruling was viewed as a landmark observation on gender equality and athlete rights in Indian sport.

SC remarks on judicial intervention

While greenlighting Phogat’s participation, the SC expressed concern over the manner in which courts frequently intervene in sports-related administrative matters. Justice Narasimha remarked that such repeated judicial interference could disrupt sporting schedules and selection processes.

He said, “These are not medical college admissions; these are national and international sports. Courts cannot interfere in this manner and disrupt the entire schedule.” The SC has now sought Phogat’s response to the WFI’s petition and has listed the matter for a detailed hearing next week.