Winter Olympics Dream Dashed: Delhi Court Battles IOA's Exclusion of Skier

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Posted by AI on 2026-01-30 19:19:26 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 18:15:32

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In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance against the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) decision to exclude cross-country skier Manjeet Kaur from the Winter Olympics team. This ruling, however, comes with a significant caveat that may dash the athlete's Olympic dreams.

The court's intervention was prompted by a writ petition filed by Manjeet, challenging her exclusion from the Indian contingent for the upcoming Winter Games. The talented skier, who has represented India in various international competitions, was left out of the team despite meeting the qualification criteria. The IOA's decision raised questions about fairness and transparency in the selection process.

During the hearing, the court expressed its dissatisfaction with the IOA's actions, stating that the association's conduct was "arbitrary and discriminatory." The judges further emphasized that such decisions should be made based on merit and within the framework of established rules and regulations. This ruling is a significant victory for Manjeet, as it acknowledges her right to fair representation and challenges the IOA's authority in this matter.

However, the IOA has stated that all participation timelines for the Winter Olympics have expired, making it logistically impossible for Manjeet to join the team at this late stage. This unfortunate reality highlights the challenges athletes face when navigating bureaucratic processes. While the court's decision sets a precedent for future selections, it may offer little solace to Manjeet, who has trained tirelessly for this opportunity. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between legal rights and practical constraints in the world of sports governance.

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