The Union sports ministry’s decision to revoke its suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), will come as a huge relief for Indian wrestlers.
The WFI was suspended on December 24, 2023 by the ministry for “lapses in governance and procedural integrity” by the Sanjay Singh-led body, which was elected on December 21. The committee had announced the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda, which is former WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh’s turf. Singh, a former BJP MP, is facing charges of sexual harassment, and so, the ministry was not happy with the choice of venue.
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Announcing the decision, the ministry said in its order that the suspension was lifted “in larger interest of the sport and athletes” as the WFI has taken compliant measures.
The Sanjay Singh-led federation can now resume its activities officially, and more importantly, hold the selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship scheduled to be held in Amman, Jordan from March 25.
Indian wrestlers missed out on the Ranking Series tournaments in Zagreb and Albania because of the suspension on WFI, and the court cases filed by wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Satyawart Kadian – the face of the protests against Singh – against the WFI, saying it did not have the authority to pick national teams since it was suspended.
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In an apparent reference to Prem Chand Lochab – who is from the rival camp – being elected as the new general secretary, the ministry has asked the WFI to “ensure that there is a balance of power among the elected office bearers”.
It also asked the federation to keep itself “disassociated from the suspended/terminated officials”, apparently referring to Singh. Earlier this year, it had come to light that the WFI’s operations were being held from his residence – 21, Ashoka Road. The WFI had the claimed that it was only a “temporary arrangement”, and has shifted to its new office in Connaught Place since.
The ministry also said that the federation must ensure that the selection for all international events should be done in a free, fair and transparent manner as per the extant provisions of the Sports Code and the instructions issued by the UWW (United World Wrestling).
