Vineesh Fogat has received a major setback in her attempts to return to international wrestling. The Delhi High Court denied her request for temporary support to participate in the qualifiers for the 2026 Senior World Championships. This means that her participation in the qualifiers scheduled for September 14 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi is now impossible.
Judge Swarn Kanta Sharma rejected Vineesh Fogat's petition for temporary assistance late Thursday evening. The court ruled that no athlete can be granted exceptions to the eligibility criteria set by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). In its ruling, the court clearly stated that the standards defined in the circular dated September 7, 2026, apply equally to all athletes. An athlete who did not participate in the scheduled event does not meet the established WFI eligibility categories.
Vineesh Fogat was challenging the new WFI selection rules. According to the circular issued on September 7, conditions were set for the qualifiers for the 2026 Senior World Championships in six Olympic weight categories. These rules stipulate the inclusion of winners of certain competitions, athletes who participated in the National Training Camp, and athletes selected for the 2026 Youth World Championships.
Vineesh's argument was that due to motherhood, she could not participate in many qualifying competitions. Thus, the current rules close the path to participation in the World Championship qualifiers for her. Furthermore, Vineesh did not request direct inclusion in the World Championship team; her demand was only to be given the opportunity to qualify, and the decision to be on the team should be based on her results.
In her argumentation, Vineesh also referred to the Asian Games qualifiers held on May 30. She competed in the 53 kg weight category, won the quarter-final match, and reached the semi-finals. She argued that after giving birth, she resumed training and tried to return to competitive wrestling, and she should be given the opportunity to prove her potential. Vineesh became a mother in July 2025, after which she started retraining and attempted to return to competition.
The Delhi High Court has not yet fully accepted or rejected the WFI's policy. The court emphasized that a final decision on the main issues raised in Vineesh's petition is yet to be made. The court also took into account that circumstances such as pregnancy, childbirth, and subsequent recovery must be considered when reviewing the legality of WFI's policy. However, based solely on these circumstances, Vineesh cannot receive immediate temporary exemption.
One of the main problems noted by the court was that if Vineesh were allowed to participate in the qualifiers, it could raise an issue of equality with other athletes in similar situations who have not approached the court.
Vineesh's current petition is not limited only to the World Championship qualifiers. This issue is also related to the demand for the development of a systematic policy for female athletes wishing to return to sports after pregnancy and maternity leave. Vineesh demands a transparent selection process and alternative mechanisms in case a female athlete cannot participate in necessary qualifying competitions due to motherhood. Therefore, the decision made on Thursday temporarily excludes Vineesh from the September 14 qualifiers, but her major legal battle regarding WFI's selection policy is not yet over.
Vineesh Fogat also challenged disciplinary actions initiated by WFI. She demanded the cancellation of two notices requiring explanations, issued in May and June. In turn, WFI asserts that Vineesh was given ample opportunity to present her position before the disciplinary committee.
The 2026 Senior World Championships will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1. Currently, following the Delhi High Court's decision, Vineesh Fogat will be unable to participate in the Indian qualifiers scheduled for September 14. Nevertheless, her major legal fight over how to provide opportunities in the selection process for women after motherhood continues.
