The Delhi High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its deviation from established practices, stating that the departure from the earlier norm of allowing reputed athletes to participate 'speaks volumes.' A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia made the observation while hearing a petition related to wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Court's Observations
The bench noted that the WFI's decision to move away from the previous practice of permitting participation of renowned athletes raised serious concerns. 'The deviation from the circular speaks volumes about the federation's approach,' the court remarked. The judges emphasised that such arbitrary changes could undermine the spirit of fair play and athlete welfare.
Centre Directed to Form Panel
The High Court directed the central government to constitute a committee to evaluate the case of Vinesh Phogat and ensure that her participation in upcoming events is not unfairly hindered. The panel is expected to review the WFI's policies and recommend measures to prevent similar issues in the future. The court also asked the Centre to submit a report on the committee's findings within four weeks.
Background of the Case
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, had approached the court after the WFI allegedly barred her from participating in certain competitions. The federation's decision was seen as a departure from its earlier policy of allowing athletes with proven track records to compete without restrictions. The court's intervention comes amid growing concerns over transparency and governance in sports bodies.
Legal and Administrative Implications
The Delhi High Court's order underscores the need for accountability in sports administration. By asking the Centre to step in, the court has highlighted the role of the government in ensuring that national sports federations adhere to fair practices. Legal experts believe this could set a precedent for other cases involving athlete selection and participation rights.
The WFI has been directed to cooperate with the committee and provide all necessary documentation. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2026, by which time the committee is expected to submit its preliminary report. The court made it clear that the federation must not take any coercive steps against Vinesh Phogat in the interim.
