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Vinesh Phogat legal disputes with WFI

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2026-09-09 14:33 UTC → 2026-09-11 05:47 UTC · added removed

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has engaged in ongoing legal and verbal disputes with the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its former leadership. Following the August 2026 acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh in a Delhi court regarding sexual harassment charges, Phogat labeled Singh a ‘goon and a criminal’ and announced intentions to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. She further criticized the political support Singh receives and raised allegations regarding his wealth and land encroachment. In a separate legal action filed in the Delhi High Court, Phogat is challenging disciplinary notices issued by the WFI, which she describes as ‘arbitrary, discriminatory, and part of a mala fide exercise of power.’ These notices pertain to allegations of indiscipline and anti-doping regulations during the 2026 Asian Games selection trials. On September 9, 2026, the Delhi High Court requested a response from the WFI regarding Phogat’s plea denied interim relief to participate Phogat, preventing her from participating in the selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships. Phogat is challenging a September 7 circular Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ruled that sets the eligibility criteria for the trials in Astana, Kazakhstan. She argues set by the framework creates WFI could not be relaxed exclusively for Phogat, noting that doing so might create an unfair exception for other athletes. Phogat had challenged a “closed” pathway by September 7 circular requiring participation in specific qualifying competitions, offering no alternatives arguing the framework lacks a mechanism for women athletes who missed events due returning from maternity leave. While denying the immediate request, the Court advised the WFI to pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum recovery. consider framing formal guidelines to balance national interests with the needs of women athletes returning to sport after maternity leave. The WFI maintained that Phogat is seeking a stay on the circular, provisional inclusion in the not banned and can regain eligibility pool, through state and a deferral of final decisions regarding her pending disciplinary proceedings. national levels.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-11 05:47 UTC Vinesh Phogat legal disputes with WFI
  2. 2026-09-09 14:33 UTC Vinesh Phogat legal disputes with WFI
  3. 2026-09-02 02:08 UTC Vinesh Phogat legal disputes with WFI

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