The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted wrestler Vinesh Phogat permission to take part in the trials for the Asian Games, setting aside a prior order from the Delhi High Court that had prevented her from competing. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia, ruled that the ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to manage the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) must conduct the trials in a fair and transparent manner.
Background of the Case
Vinesh Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and multiple-time Asian Championships medalist, had approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court on May 28 denied her request to participate in the Asian Games selection trials. The High Court had cited a lack of clarity on the selection process and the absence of a valid constitution of the WFI. However, the Supreme Court observed that preventing a sportsperson of Vinesh's caliber from participating in trials would be detrimental to her career and the nation's prospects in the upcoming games.
Supreme Court's Direction
The apex court directed the IOA's ad-hoc committee to ensure that the trials are conducted within a week and that the results are declared promptly. It also stated that the committee should follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the IOA. The court emphasized that the selection process must be free from any bias or undue influence.
Vinesh Phogat's lawyer, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that her client had been unjustly excluded from the trials due to a power struggle within the WFI. He highlighted that Vinesh had consistently performed well at international events and deserved a fair chance to represent India at the Asian Games. The court agreed with these contentions and allowed her to participate.
Reactions and Implications
The decision has been welcomed by the wrestling fraternity and sports enthusiasts across the country. Vinesh Phogat expressed her gratitude to the Supreme Court and said she was relieved that justice had been served. She stated that she would now focus entirely on preparing for the trials and the Asian Games. The Wrestling Federation of India's ad-hoc committee has been asked to release the schedule of trials immediately.
This development marks a significant victory for Vinesh Phogat, who has been at the center of a controversy involving the WFI's administration. The Supreme Court's intervention ensures that the selection process remains impartial and that athletes are not penalized due to administrative disputes. The Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, later this year, and India will be hoping for strong performances from its wrestlers.
