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Sports
Karnataka High Court denies relief to surfer Ramesh Budihal in Asian Games selection case
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 30 Aug 2026, 12:18 AM
👁 4
The Karnataka High Court rejected a petition filed by surfer Ramesh Budihal seeking relief over his Asian Games selection, leaving the sports authority's decision unchanged.
The Karnataka High Court has refused to grant the relief sought by surfer Ramesh Budihal in a petition concerning his selection for the upcoming Asian Games. Budihal approached the court after raising concerns about the selection process, but the bench dismissed his plea, stating that the matter falls within the purview of the sports federation's discretion.
By rejecting the petition, the court has effectively upheld the existing decision of the national surfing federation regarding the Asian Games roster. The ruling means Budihal will not receive any judicial intervention that could alter his status for the event.
Legal experts note that while athletes can challenge administrative decisions in court, such interventions are limited when the governing body’s criteria are deemed reasonable and transparent. The verdict underscores the judiciary's reluctance to interfere in technical selections made by sports authorities.
The case draws attention to the growing trend of Indian sportspersons seeking judicial recourse over selection grievances, a pattern that may prompt sports bodies to review their communication and grievance mechanisms.
By rejecting the petition, the court has effectively upheld the existing decision of the national surfing federation regarding the Asian Games roster. The ruling means Budihal will not receive any judicial intervention that could alter his status for the event.
Legal experts note that while athletes can challenge administrative decisions in court, such interventions are limited when the governing body’s criteria are deemed reasonable and transparent. The verdict underscores the judiciary's reluctance to interfere in technical selections made by sports authorities.
The case draws attention to the growing trend of Indian sportspersons seeking judicial recourse over selection grievances, a pattern that may prompt sports bodies to review their communication and grievance mechanisms.