Introduction:

In a legal showdown, star wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satyawrat Kadiyan have approached the Delhi High Court against the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) circular mandating selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament. Justice Sachin Datta has issued notices to the Union Government, WFI, and the wrestling federation’s Ad-Hoc Committee, seeking their response.

Arguments:

The wrestlers contend that the WFI’s circular, dated February 26, violates the Central Government’s earlier directive issued on January 07, restraining WFI from conducting any activity without IOA-appointed Ad-Hoc Committee supervision. They argue that only championships organized under this committee’s supervision are recognized under the National Sports Development Code, 2011. The plea emphasizes that WFI, in its current form, lacks the impartiality required for fair national trials, particularly for significant international events like the Asian Championships and World Championships.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Sachin Datta has listed the case for further hearing on Thursday, allowing the Union Government time to respond. The wrestlers seek a court directive for WFI to halt the ongoing national trials and comply with the National Sports Development Code, 2011, for future selections. The plea also urges the court’s supervision and monitoring for conducting fair national selection trials for all international events.