The Supreme Court cleared Vinesh Phogat on May 31 to participate in Asian Games 2026 selection trials, removing procedural hurdles that had temporarily blocked the decorated wrestler from contesting qualifying rounds.
The apex bench addressed administrative disputes surrounding eligibility documentation and federation nomination protocols, ruling that Phogat should receive fair opportunity to compete on merit at upcoming trial events. Legal counsel for the athlete argued that exclusion would cause irreparable career harm.
Phogat, an Olympic medal contender in previous cycles, expressed relief through her training camp while preparing to return to mat competition. Wrestling federation officials were directed to integrate her into trial schedules without further obstruction.
Sports lawyers said the judgment reinforces judicial willingness to intervene when national selection processes appear inconsistent with natural justice principles. The case drew attention from athlete rights advocates monitoring governance reforms across Olympic disciplines.
Selection trials will determine roster spots across weight categories for continental games where India traditionally targets multiple wrestling medals.
Wrestling training camps resumed normal schedules with Phogat integrated into weight-category sparring groups. Federation officials pledged transparent scoring during trials to avoid renewed administrative disputes reaching judicial forums.
National anti-doping authorities confirmed standard whereabouts testing procedures remain applicable to Phogat upon her return to sanctioned trial competition under federation oversight.
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Sources:
https://newsonair.gov.in/sports/supreme-court-permits-wrestler-vinesh-phogat-asian-games-trials/