On Friday, the Delhi High Court strongly questioned the Wrestling Federation of India over its decision declaring wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events and sought intervention to ensure her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials, while also expressing concern over allegations that the federation altered selection norms after her return from maternity leave, potentially affecting the career prospects of women athletes resuming competition after childbirth.
The controversy began after WFI issued a fifteen-page show-cause notice accusing Phogat of indiscipline, anti-doping procedural violations and damaging the reputation of Indian wrestling during the Paris Olympics. The federation subsequently declared her ineligible for domestic events till June 26, citing a mandatory six-month notice requirement applicable to athletes returning from retirement under anti-doping rules.
Phogat challenged the move before the High Court, arguing that the federation had changed the eligibility criteria for Asian Games selection trials to permit participation only by recent domestic medal winners, despite her absence from competition due to pregnancy and maternity recovery. Her counsel further argued that the timing of the show-cause notice, issued a day before her participation in a domestic tournament, reflected a deliberate attempt to keep her out of competition.
The Bench expressed serious concern over the federation’s conduct and questioned the justification for changing the selection framework in the case of an athlete of international standing returning after childbirth. Emphasising the importance of motherhood, the Court orally observed, “Motherhood is celebrated in the country, should it come to the detriment of a person?” The Bench also remarked that the federation’s deviation from its earlier policy “speaks volumes” and cautioned WFI against acting with “vengeance.”
Questioning whether the revised criteria had been framed specifically to exclude Phogat, the Court observed that sporting interests should not suffer because of internal disputes. The Court thereafter asked the Centre to ensure that Phogat is allowed to participate in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.
Source PTI
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