Vinesh Phogat's Battle for Asian Games Trials: Courtroom Drama Unfolds

The Delhi High Court has refused immediate relief to wrestler Vinesh Phogat after she sought permission to compete in the Asian Games selection trials. The court emphasized the need to hear from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which had declared Phogat ineligible for the trials.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav allowed Phogat to respond comprehensively to a show cause notice issued by the WFI regarding accusations of indiscipline and anti-doping infractions. The WFI is required to resolve the issue by July 6, with the court planning to review the case.

Phogat's attorney argued that international policies protect female athletes on maternity leave, yet the WFI's current policy fails to support her. The case, which also highlights Phogat's involvement in a 2023 protest against alleged misconduct by WFI's former president, will be revisited by the court in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)