Vinesh Phogat allowed to compete in Asian Games trials after Supreme Court clearance

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed star wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the trials for the upcoming Asian Games. The trials are scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging the Delhi High Court order allowing Phogat to participate in the selection trials. The apex court refused to stay the High Court's decision, paving way for Phogat to take part in the trials.

The Court will now hear the matter on June 1, Monday.

Vinesh had made country proud

The court noted that the wrestler had made the country proud on the mat and deserved to get another chance. “If anybody else, it would have been on a different footing. She’s made the country proud”, the Court said. "We are not stopping, you go and participate."

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However, the court also expressed deep concern about the manner and method in which the High Court examined the matter. Easy and quick interference by Courts in such matters is a problem, it said.

"You are an excellent wrestler, you have made the country proud, but it's the country first. These are not medical college admissions, these are national and international sports. It can’t be like Courts will interfere in this manner and disrupt the entire schedule The High Court can't disrupt the entire schedule," the bench said.

The women's trials for the Asian Games takes place on Saturday, May 30.

"Today at this stage, the high court having passed the order, the hope and expectations have risen. To tell her to go back home and we can't do anything, will not be proper. We are very bold in telling you this," the bench told the counsel appearing for the WFI.