Delhi HC refuses to direct Centre for participation of jiu-jitsu player in ongoing Asian Games

File photo for representational purposes only. The Delhi High Court has declined to intervene in the Centre’s decision not to field an Indian contingent in the men’s 94-kg jiu-jitsu category at the 20th Asian Games being held in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya.Justice Amit Mahajan dismissed a petition filed by athlete Shubham Kumar on September 22, holding that the court could not direct the authorities to send an athlete to an event in which they had decided not to participate.Asian Games 2026 key highlights - September 26, 2026The court also noted that the Asian Games had commenced on September 19, leaving little scope for granting any effective relief to the athlete.Mr. Kumar had approached the court seeking directions to facilitate his participation in the jiu-jitsu event in the men’s 94-kg category. His counsel argued that although the athlete fulfilled the eligibility requirements, his candidature was not processed for the Games.No contingent sentOpposing the plea, the Centre submitted that no Indian contingent was being sent to compete in the particular category. It also said Mr. Kumar’s name had been forwarded after the prescribed cut-off date.“This court cannot, in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, direct the respondents to send an athlete for participation in an event when the respondents have categorically stated that no athlete is being sent for the concerned event,” the court said.It further noted that it was undisputed that the names of the athletes had not been submitted by the association before the May 14, 2026 cut-off.“The courts also cannot substitute its own decision for that of the competent sporting authorities and compel participation,” Justice Mahajan added. Published - September 26, 2026 08:45 pm IST