The Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled for Saturday.The bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe refused to stay the Delhi High Court’s May 22 order, which had granted interim relief to Phogat.

The wrestler had challenged the Wrestling Federation of India’s revised selection criteria, which had excluded her from trials because she missed designated tournaments while on maternity leave after giving birth in July 2025.The High Court had ruled that such exclusion was discriminatory and that women returning from maternity leave should not be disadvantaged.

While the Supreme Court upheld the relief, it expressed reservations about the High Court’s reasoning, noting that global anti-doping norms must be followed.

Justice Narasimha highlighted that Phogat had missed a doping test in January 2026 due to her legislative duties as a Congress MLA from Haryana, which raised compliance concerns with the International Testing Agency.The Court clarified that the case is more about adherence to international norms than motherhood.Despite these reservations, the Supreme Court directed that Phogat be allowed to compete.

Vinesh Phogat had earlier participated in protests against former Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces sexual assault allegations from six women wrestlers, including Phogat herself.The Supreme Court’s decision ensures her participation in the trials while maintaining the integrity of anti-doping regulations.