SC questions Vinesh Phogat for missing doping test, allows wrestler to participate in Asian Games selection trials

The Supreme Court also questioned the manner and method in which the Delhi HC dealt with the matter.

Updated on: May 29, 2026, 14:49:53 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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The Supreme Court has allowed Vinesh Phogat to compete in the selection trials for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. The women's selection trials are scheduled for May 30-31 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. Also, a further hearing has been scheduled for June 1.

Vinesh Phogat will be participating in the selection trias. (HT_PRINT)

"If anybody else, it would have been on a different footing. She’s made the country proud," the court said.

Also Read: WFI moves Supreme Court after Delhi HC allows Vinesh Phogat to compete in Asian Games selection trials

The court also questioned the manner and method in which the Delhi High Court dealt with the matter. The SC bench said that easy, quick interference by courts in such matters is a problem.

"You have been an excellent athlete. But country first," said the SC bench.

During the hearing, Justice PS Narasimha added, "These are not medical college admissions, these are national and international sports. It can’t be like Courts will interfere in this manner and disrupt the entire schedule."

Supreme Court bench questions Vinesh Phogat's reason to miss doping test

But the SC bench also said that Phogat's failure to attend the doping test in January and the International Testing Agency (ITA) 's refusal to accept her explanation are concerning. Phogat explained that she had to attend assembly as an MLA in Haryana.

Justice Narasimha said, "What is concerning when the ITA test is missed, it has a logical consequence, because Indian sports is integrally connected to the world sports. If some kind of disqualification appears at the global level, it reflects on India. You did not give the whereabouts for the doping test and missed the first doping test."

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) took the matter to the Supreme Court after the Delhi HC allowed Phogat to participate in the trials. WFI's plea was heard by a bench consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.

The Delhi High Court hearing was held on May 22. The bench also claimed that WFI's selection policy was exclusionary, given its lack of discretion to consider a wrestler like Phogat, who is returning from a maternity break.

WFI was also ordered by the HC to video-record the trials in the presence of an independent observer from the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association.

Meanwhile, the Delhi HC also maintained that the law should ensure that motherhood doesn't become a reason to exempt iconic athletes like Phogat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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