Delhi High Court asks Centre and WFI to respond to Vinesh Phogat’s maternity-policy plea

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the Delhi High Court sought responses from the Union Government and the Wrestling Federation of India to wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s petition seeking a clearer return-to-competition policy for women athletes after pregnancy; Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the Indian Olympic Association and listed the matter for hearing on November 18.

Phogat’s petition requests a transparent policy that prevents athletes from being disadvantaged due to maternity-related absences and asks for objective selection and nomination criteria along with alternative routes for athletes whose performances or rankings have been affected by pregnancy. She has asked to be considered for competitions for which she otherwise meets the eligibility requirements and has sought a fixed, time-bound calendar for domestic competitions. Vinesh gave birth to her son in July 2025 and has since been attempting to resume competitive wrestling. “This is a larger question on lady athletes and maternity leave and impact on their ability to participate in the sport. In fact, international standards are that female athlete who takes maternity leave is given some benefits and protection of her ranking, etc,” senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, who is representing Vinesh, said about the petition, as quoted by Sportstar.

The petition contends that the current eligibility framework emphasizes performances at events held during the athlete’s absence, requiring those returning from maternity to compete under the same selection conditions as continuously active athletes and leaving them without meaningful alternatives to remain in selection contention.

Vinesh has separately challenged two show-cause notices issued by the WFI and has filed a distinct petition on that matter, which is scheduled for hearing on September 29. The notices in question were dated May 9 and June 17, and Phogat has described them as part of what she alleges is a continuing pattern of arbitrary and mala fide action by the federation.

According to her petition, the International Testing Agency cleared her to compete from January 1, 2026, but the WFI then introduced an eligibility system that, she says, prevented her from being considered for selection; the petition states the first show-cause notice followed that change and raised allegations relating to anti-doping and whereabouts requirements.

During Tuesday’s proceedings WFI counsel told the court the federation had twice scheduled hearings on the notices and that Vinesh had not appeared; the federation said it had now provided a final opportunity and set the next hearing for September 2.

The court-listed dates provide the immediate procedural timetable: the WFI show-cause hearing is scheduled for September 2, the separate petition on the notices will be heard on September 29, and the principal matter on the maternity-policy plea is set for November 18.