BREAKING: Supreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat In Asian Games Trials, Flags Missed Doping Test Lapse
Supreme Court allowed Vinesh Phogat to participate in the Asian Games selection trials while observing that a missed doping test was a “serious lapse” requiring explanation and stressing that eligibility and sporting integrity had to be balanced
Supreme Court hearing on Vinesh Phogat’s eligibility for Asian Games 2026 trials amid doping compliance concerns
The Supreme Court on Friday permitted wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games while hearing a dispute concerning eligibility criteria, doping-related compliance, and the selection policy framework governing national representation.
The Bench of Justice P S Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe was hearing the matter when concerns were raised regarding alleged missed doping tests and compliance issues flagged by an international tribunal order.
Justice Narasimha observed that the matter raised “two disturbing aspects,” noting that records indicated a missed doping test which, according to him, amounted to a serious lapse requiring explanation. “It is recorded that you missed a doping test. That is a serious lapse. We need an explanation, Madhavi,” the Court noted.
The bench further referred to an International Tribunal for Arbitration (ITA) order dated May 4, which recorded the athlete’s response regarding unavailability for the test. “When an ITA requirement is missed and there is a disqualification at international level, there are clear consequences,” the Court observed, adding that the High Court’s understanding of the record appeared to treat the lapse as explained without sufficient basis.
“You are an excellent wrestler. You have made the country proud, but the country comes first,” Justice Narasimha remarked during the hearing.
Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the athlete, argued that the High Court’s order did not make any findings on merits and merely allowed participation subject to conditions.
She also submitted that missing the present opportunity would be irreparable given the proximity of the Asian Games. “If I miss this opportunity and the Asian Games are in September, please give me a fair chance. I have just become a mother,” the senior counsel submitted, urging that participation be allowed subject to the final outcome.
The bench also engaged with arguments relating to eligibility criteria under the selection policy, with the Court asking whether the athlete satisfied the applicable conditions. “Are you eligible under the applicable eligibility policy?” the Court queried.
The counsel for the athlete argued that past practice and relaxation clauses had been applied in similar cases involving elite athletes.
However, the Court questioned the interpretation of the relaxation provision and the timing of the challenge to the selection policy after issuance of a show-cause notice. “We are issuing notice,” the bench stated while proceeding to allow participation in the trials.
The Court clarified that permitting participation would not amount to a final determination on eligibility or merits.
Senior Advocate Divan also raised concerns regarding the implications of selection criteria on women athletes, arguing that the process effectively placed them in a position of choosing between career progression and motherhood.
Another counsel appearing for other athletes, whose petitions were not listed today, submitted that the selection process impacted multiple competitors and sought tagging of related petitions.
“We have to iron out the creases,” Justice Narasimha observed, indicating that broader issues arising from the selection framework would be examined.
The matter for other athletes has been listed for further hearing on June 1.
The High Court’s division bench, in its May 22 order, had allowed Phogat’s participation in the selection trials, observing that the WFI’s selection policy appeared exclusionary as it did not provide sufficient discretion to consider an “iconic player” returning after a maternity break. The High Court had also directed that the selection trials, scheduled for May 30–31, be video-recorded by the Wrestling Federation of India.
It had further ordered the presence of independent observers from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to ensure transparency in the selection process. “It cannot be denied that the journey of a female athlete through pregnancy and the post-partum period is one that is marked by extraordinary physical challenges, the magnitude of which is often insufficiently acknowledged within institutional sporting frameworks. We cannot remain oblivious to the physiological realities and disadvantages related to child birth that female athletes undergo during maternity”, the High Court had observed.
The Bench also strongly criticised the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for issuing what it termed a “deplorable” show-cause notice to Phogat and held that the Federation’s conduct appeared vindictive and mala fide. The WFI had referred to Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics for being overweight as a “national shame” and “national embarrassment.”
Case Title: Wrestling Federation of India v. Vinesh Phogat & Ors.
Bench: Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe
Hearing Date: May 29, 2026