रॉडाली बारुआ: 2026 एशियन गेम्स टैक्वांदो टीम में तुरंत प्रवेश के लिए दिल्ली हाई कोर्ट से अपील

International taekwondo athlete Rodali Barua has appealed to the Delhi High Court seeking her urgent inclusion in India’s taekwondo team for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026.

In her Letters Patent Appeal (LPA), Barua requests the court to quash the September 17 order of the Single Judge, which dismissed her plea for interim relief, and to direct that she be considered and included in the Indian team without delay. The appeal also demands that the respondents provide the authority under which India Taekwondo conducted the selection trials, as well as disclose the selection criteria, proceedings, results and recommendations related to the Asian Games team formation.

Furthermore, Barua seeks the preservation of all records connected to the taekwondo athlete selection process, including applications, trial results, minutes, communications, and approvals, until the final adjudication of her writ petition.

The athlete emphasises the urgency of the matter, noting that the taekwondo events are scheduled from October 1 to 3, 2026, while the deadline for sending the team is September 26. She argues that denying her the opportunity to participate would deprive her of a chance that occurs only once every four years.

This appeal follows a writ petition filed by Barua against the Union of India and others, challenging India Taekwondo’s role in conducting the selection trials. Barua competes internationally in the women’s +73 kg category and has been part of the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG). She holds a world ranking and has won medals in international contests.

The petition references a Delhi High Court order dated April 27, 2026, directing the union government to establish an ad-hoc committee to oversee the functions of the National Sports Federation for Taekwondo until recognition is granted to an appropriate organisation. It also notes a statement by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on February 27, 2026, declaring that neither the Taekwondo Federation of India nor India Taekwondo was eligible for recognition as the National Sports Federation.

Despite this, India Taekwondo conducted selection trials in June 2026 for the Asian Games team, prompting Barua to approach the High Court. The Single Judge’s September 17 ruling noted the Indian Olympic Association’s counsel asserted the athletes had already been finalised and the contingent had departed for the Games. Barua contested this, stating that the taekwondo events were pending and the team’s departure was scheduled for September 26.

The LPA has been filed by LexCuria Lawyers LLP, with advocates Atanu Saikia and Madhumita Bhattacharjee representing Barua.

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