Delhi HC on Vinesh Phogat case: WFI selection trials, maternity leave and eligibility rules for 2026 World Championships

Direct fact

In September 2026, the Delhi High Court, through Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, refused interim permission for wrestler Vinesh Phogat to enter the women’s selection trials scheduled on September 14 for the 2026 Senior World Championships at Astana, Kazakhstan.

Key specifics

• The WFI circular dated September 7, 2026 applied the same eligibility criteria to all athletes.
• The selection trials were scheduled at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi, for six Olympic weight categories.
• The championship venue mentioned in the plea was Astana, Kazakhstan, with dates from October 24 to November 1, 2026.
• Ms. Phogat said she became a mother in July 2025 and returned after maternity leave.
• On September 1, 2026, the High Court sought responses from the WFI and the Centre on her plea for a fair framework for women athletes returning after pregnancy.

Exam lens

Polity and sports governance question type: court order, federation circular, eligibility criteria, and maternity-related accommodation. TNPSC may ask about the Delhi High Court, WFI circular dated September 7, 2026, and the selection-trial venue and championship dates.