The Delhi High Court on Friday ruled that the exclusion of cross-country skier Manjeet from India’s team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina was unfair and arbitrary.

Justice Jasmeet Singh criticised the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for its selection process and ordered that all possible steps be taken to ensure Manjeet’s participation in the Games.

Allowing Manjeet’s petition, the Court said the IOA and its Ad-hoc Committee went beyond their powers by adding eligibility conditions that were not part of the official qualification rules set by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

The Court observed that the way the authorities acted showed a lack of concern for merit and excellence, and warned that such actions could harm India’s image in international sports.

Justice Singh clarified that selecting athletes for the Olympics is not an internal administrative matter, but a question of national representation. The IOA, the Court said, cannot act like a “super selector” by inventing rules that do not exist in the binding qualification system.

Calling the selection process clearly unfair, the Court directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to make all reasonable efforts to help Manjeet compete in the Winter Olympics. The IOA and its Ad-hoc Committee were also told to fully cooperate.

The Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s approach, stating that it cannot remain a silent spectator when athletes face unfair treatment. As the authority responsible for sports administration, the Ministry must ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection.

However, the Court kept open the issue of the validity and functioning of the IOA’s Ad-hoc Committee and asked the authorities to file a detailed reply. The case will be heard next on April 13.