From correspondents in Delhi, India, 09:32 PM IST

The Delhi High Court Thursday issued notices to the central government and the Judo Federation of India on a petition questioning the selection procedure for women players for the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

Justice S.L. Bhayana also issued notices to the Sports Authority of India and Indian Olympic Association on a petition filed by Bittu Sharma challenging the federation's selection of Divya in womens' judo for the quadrennial event Aug 8-22.

The court has asked these organizations to file their replies by Oct 16.

On June 3, Divya was selected by the federation to represent the country in the Games.

However, the petitioner contended that Divya had not made any remarkable performance in judo competitions and the apex body had taken advantage of Sharma's absence on maternity leave in 2005 and 2006.

Claiming that she has participated in 18 international judo tournaments and won several medals, Sharma in her petition alleged that the federation had neglected her feats and selected Divya, who has not done well in the tournaments.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)