Delhi High Court Seeks Centre and WFI Response on Vinesh Phogat's Maternity Policy Plea

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre and the Wrestling Federation of India on a petition filed by wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The plea seeks the formulation of a fair and structured policy framework for women athletes returning to competitive sports following pregnancy and maternity leave.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also issued notice to the Indian Olympic Association regarding the petition and scheduled the matter for a further hearing on November 18.

In her petition, the grappler highlighted the challenges faced by female sportspeople after childbirth, seeking directions to establish transparent and objectively verifiable selection and nomination processes. Phogat also asked for an alternative mechanism to support athletes who are disadvantaged by absence due to maternity.

Addressing the court, counsel representing Phogat submitted that the petition raises a broader question regarding women athletes, maternity leave, and its direct impact on their capacity to participate in sports. The counsel noted that international standards provide female athletes taking maternity leave with specific benefits, including the protection of their competitive rankings.

Phogat's plea further requested that authorities ensure fair consideration for competitions for which an athlete is otherwise eligible. Additionally, the petition sought the establishment of a definite and time-bound domestic competition calendar to bring certainty to returning athletes.