SC allows Vinesh Phogat to participate in Asiad trials today

NEW DELHI : Supreme Court on Friday allowed grappler Vinesh Phogat to take part in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials, while strongly disapproving of Delhi high court’s handling of the case, but questioned the decorated wrestler for not making herself available for mandatory doping test.Noting that any delay in deciding the issue would have derailed Phogat’s chance to take part in Saturday’s trials and taking into consideration her contribution to sports by representing the country at multiple international platforms, a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe allowed her to go for the trials despite objections raised by Wrestling Federation of India. The bench said Phogat was not an ordinary athlete as she has represented the country in various sporting events, including in three Olympics, and made the nation proud, but in the same breath made it clear that rules had to be followed by all. The court noted that she did not appear for the doping test and her explanation that she, being an MLA, was busy in assembly proceedings was not found to be satisfactory.“What is concerning is that when the International Testing Agency’s test is missed, it has a logical consequence, because Indian sports is integrally connected to 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,” it said.It expressed reservations on the approach adopted by HC in granting relief to the wrestler. “The way the HC handled the case is disturbing. The constitutional court should act responsibly as these are national and international sporting events,” the bench said. The court was hearing an appeal filed by WFI challenging HC’s order to allow Phogat to compete in the trials.Senior advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for Phogat, submitted that women athletes face this problem arising out of pregnancy and said she was not seeking any relaxation but just seeking opportunity to participate in the trials. The bench said it may not be correct to withdraw her participation allowed by HC.The court said that it would not be good for the country if Phogat is disqualified from games because of not complying with the rules and that should also be considered while deciding the controversy.