Delhi High Court Directs Inclusion Of Skier Manjeet For 2026 Winter Olympics, Slams IOA's “Arbitrary” Selection Process
The Delhi High Court on Friday held that the exclusion of cross-country skier Manjeet from India's Olympic contingent for the XXV Winter Olympic Games, Milano Cortina 2026, is manifestly arbitrary, unfair and contrary to the governing international qualification framework.
Justice Jasmeet Singh slammed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) by calling its selection process arbitrary and directed that all reasonable efforts be made to enable Manjeet's participation.
While allowing the writ petition filed by the athlete, the Court held that the IOA and its Ad-hoc Committee had acted beyond their authority by introducing eligibility conditions which were not prescribed under the International Federation of Ski and Snowboard (FIS) Qualification System.
“The manner in which the respondents have conducted themselves conveys an impression of institutional indifference to merit and excellence, as though mediocrity in international competition were an acceptable outcome. Talent, no matter how exceptional, can only flourish when supported by transparent, fair, and accountable institutions. In global sporting events, it is not merely the athlete but the country itself that is under observation,” the Court said.
“The approach adopted in the present case, if allowed to stand, risks eroding public confidence in sports governance and tarnishing the credibility of India's sporting institutions on the international stage. Such a consequence cannot be accepted by this Court,” it added.
Justice Singh held that selection to represent the country at the Olympic Games is not an internal administrative exercise but is a matter of national representation.
The Court said that the IOA along with its committees cannot start acting as a Super Selector and go beyond the four corners of its authority and create criteria for selection which do not exist in the Qualification System which is binding upon them.
Justice Singh held the selection process adopted by IOA was manifestly arbitrary and unfair and directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to make all reasonable efforts to ensure Manjeet's participation in the Winter Olympics.
The Court also directed the IOA and its Ad-hoc Committee to extend full cooperation in making necessary arrangements in the process.
The judge also expresses its displeasure at the stand adopted by the Ministry, observing that as the repository of public trust and the nodal authority overseeing sports administration, the Ministry was duty-bound to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and merit-based.
“The Ministry cannot act as a mute spectator or distance itself from the legitimate grievances and hardships faced by athletes, whose careers and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities depend upon institutional accountability and adherence to rules and regulations. The State and its instrumentalities are expected to act fairly, reasonably and ensure transparency at all levels,” the Court said.
It, however, kept open the challenge to the constitution and functioning of the Ad-hoc Committee, directing the authorities to file a detailed reply. The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 13.
Counsel for Petitioner: Ms. Neha Singh, Adv
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Gopal Jain Sr. Adv., Ms. Aashits Khanna, Ms. Aanya Agarwal, Mr. Vidushpat Singhania, Adv. for R1-2; Mr. Ruchir Mishra, Mr. Mukesh K Tiwari, Mr. Shubhendu Kaushik GP, Advs. for UOI
Title: MANJEET v. INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA) AND ORS