Supreme Court clears path for Vinesh Phogat to compete in Asian Games selection trials

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India granted permission on Friday for wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the upcoming selection trials scheduled for May 30 and 31 to determine the roster for the 2026 Asian Games.

A judicial bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe issued the directive during a hearing on an appeal submitted by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The governing body's petition sought to overturn a prior ruling from the Delhi High Court that had authorised Phogat’s participation in the qualifying event.

"Today, at this stage, the high court having passed the order, the hope and expectations have risen. To tell her to go back home and we can't do anything, will not be proper. We are very bold in telling you this," the bench informed the legal counsel representing the WFI.

The nation's highest court has scheduled the federation's underlying petition for a comprehensive hearing next week.

With inputs from PTI