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Delhi High Court Weighs Maternity Rules Against Sporting Careers
Vinesh Phogat is a wrestler who became a mother in July 2025.
She wants to return to wrestling and compete in trials for a major world championship.
She asked the Delhi High Court to let her enter the trials.
The court said no for now because the same eligibility rules should apply to every athlete.
Phogat says she missed required competitions because she was pregnant, gave birth and recovered afterward.
The court said those circumstances should be studied when deciding whether the rules are fair.
However, it said they do not automatically allow her to bypass the current rules.
The court will consider the larger question of how athletes can balance motherhood and sporting careers.
The Delhi High Court refused interim permission for Vinesh Phogat to compete in the September 14 selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships.
The court said eligibility rules applying uniformly to all athletes should not be relaxed for Phogat before the selection policy is reviewed.
Phogat argues that pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery prevented her from competing in the qualifying events required by the Wrestling Federation of India.
The court said maternity-related circumstances must be considered when examining the policy, but do not currently justify an exception to the rules.
Phogat is also challenging two show-cause notices and disciplinary proceedings that she says obstruct her return to competitive wrestling.
- Who
- Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Delhi High Court, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma and the Wrestling Federation of India are central to the case.
- What
- The court denied Phogat interim permission to enter selection trials while considering the fairness of eligibility rules for athletes returning after maternity.
- Where
- The selection trials were scheduled at Indira Gandhi Stadium, and the championship is scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- When
- The interim order was issued on a Thursday; the trials were scheduled for September 14, and the championship for October 24 to November 1, 2026.
- Why
- Phogat says maternity-related absence prevented her from competing in required qualifying events and left the policy without a pathway for her return.
Phogat’s Position
Court and Federation Concerns
Maternity and eligibility
Phogat’s Position
Phogat argues that the framework excludes her because pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery prevented her from competing in specified qualifying events, rather than because she was assessed and found lacking on sporting merit.
Court and Federation Concerns
The court says the criteria apply uniformly to all athletes and cannot be set aside for one athlete before the policy’s validity and applicability are adjudicated.
Special participation permission
Phogat’s Position
Phogat seeks permission to compete in the trials and says the selection framework needs a mechanism for athletes who miss qualifying competitions for maternity-related reasons.
Court and Federation Concerns
The court says granting her an individual exception could result in unequal treatment and encourage other athletes to seek similar exceptions.
Motherhood and sporting careers
Phogat’s Position
Phogat’s petition seeks a structured pathway for women athletes returning to competition after pregnancy and maternity leave.
Court and Federation Concerns
The court recognizes that balancing motherhood with a sporting career requires careful consideration, but says the issue has not yet been finally decided.
Disciplinary proceedings
Phogat’s Position
Phogat alleges that show-cause notices issued on May 9 and June 17 reflect arbitrary and mala fide action obstructing her return to wrestling.
Court and Federation Concerns
The WFI’s counsel said hearings were held twice without her appearance, after which a final opportunity was given and the hearing was scheduled for September 2.
Key facts
- Athlete
- Vinesh Phogat
- Court ruling
- Interim permission to participate in the selection trials was refused.
- Selection trials
- Scheduled for September 14 at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
- Championship
- The 2026 Senior World Championships are scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.
- Eligibility circular
- The Wrestling Federation of India circular dated September 7, 2026 makes eligibility depend on participation and performance in specified competitions.
- Phogat’s request
- She seeks a stay of the circular and a fair, structured framework for women athletes returning after pregnancy and maternity leave.
- Related proceedings
- Phogat has also sought the quashing of two show-cause notices and related disciplinary proceedings.
Quotes
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
Delhi High Court judge hearing Vinesh Phogat’s petition
“This court is also conscious that the larger question as to how motherhood and maternity are to be balanced against the demands of a sporting career, and whether an athlete ought to require to choose between motherhood and pursuing her career, merits careful consideration. However, that issue is yet to be finally examined and adjudicated upon in the present proceedings”
deccanchronicle.com
telegraphindia.com
“This court is also mindful that selection to represent the country at an international championship carries with it considerations extending beyond the individual claim of any particular athlete. The interest of the country in ensuring that its representatives are selected through a fair, uniform and performance-based process is of paramount importance.”
deccanchronicle.com
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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