![\"\u2018Not](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131260174,imgsize-39546,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/vinesh-phogat.jpg\" "\\"Vinesh")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court<\/a> on Friday came down heavily on the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat<\/a> \u201cineligible\u201d for domestic competitions, questioning whether the federation had changed its rules specifically to target the star grappler after her maternity break.A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia orally observed that the federation\u2019s conduct was \u201cnot in the best interest of sports\u201d and directed the Centre to constitute an expert panel to evaluate Phogat\u2019s fitness and eligibility ahead of the upcoming Asian Games<\/a> selection trials. \u201cAsk the experts to evaluate her chances… Ensure that she participates,\u201d the court told the government counsel during the hearing.The bench also made strong remarks on the federation\u2019s approach toward the wrestler, stressing that motherhood should never become a disadvantage for an athlete.\u201cShe became a mother in July 2025. We are in May. She is a wrestler of international repute. Why can’t it be presumed that you changed it (selection criteria) for her?\u201d the court orally remarked.\u201cWhatever may be the feud or dispute, why should the cause of sports suffer? Motherhood is celebrated in the country, should it come to the detriment of a person?\u201d it added.\u2018Deviation from earlier circular speaks volumes\u2019<\/span>The court strongly questioned the WFI\u2019s sudden shift from its earlier practice of allowing reputed athletes to compete despite exceptional circumstances.\u201cThe change in circular says all. Don’t conduct yourself like this. This is not in the best interest of sports. Deviation from the earlier circular speaks volumes,\u201d the bench observed.Phogat had challenged a single-judge order dated May 18 that denied her immediate relief regarding participation in the Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31.Her counsel argued that the federation\u2019s May 9 show-cause notice \u2014 issued just before her participation in a domestic event in Gonda \u2014 suggested deliberate attempts to keep her out.The court also expressed displeasure over the wording of the notice, which reportedly described her Paris Olympics disqualification as a \u201cnational shame\u201d.The WFI had barred Phogat from domestic events till June 26, 2026, citing anti-doping rules mandating a six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement.<\/div>\n