The Sports Ministry has ended the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), bringing relief to wrestlers and officials. This decision allows important activities, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan.
Why Was WFI Suspended?
The ministry had suspended WFI on December 24, 2023, due to governance issues. The suspension came after the newly elected body, led by Sanjay Singh, decided to hold the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda. This location is known as the stronghold of former WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who faces sexual harassment charges. The government’s decision to suspend WFI was influenced by concerns over fairness and procedural integrity.
Conditions for Lifting the Suspension
The ministry lifted the suspension after WFI complied with certain governance measures. However, the ministry has set conditions to ensure proper management. These include:
- Maintaining a balance of power among elected office bearers.
- Staying disassociated from suspended or terminated officials.
- Providing a written commitment to follow these rules within four weeks.
- Conducting fair and transparent selection trials for international competitions.
Any violation of these conditions may lead to legal action, including another suspension under the Sports Code.
WFI’s Response
WFI President Sanjay Singh welcomed the decision, stating, “I thank the government for taking this step. It will allow us to function smoothly. The athletes were suffering due to the lack of competitions.” He assured that WFI would follow all instructions and has already moved to a new office. The federation will soon hold an Executive Committee meeting and announce selection trials.
Wrestlers and Coaches Express Relief
The suspension had caused Indian wrestlers to miss major tournaments, including Ranking Series events in Zagreb and Albania. Court cases filed by top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Satyawart Kadian had further delayed progress. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was asked to manage WFI through an ad-hoc panel, but the world wrestling body, UWW, did not recognize this move.
A wrestling coach from Haryana expressed relief, saying, “Young wrestlers were suffering for no fault of theirs. They missed tournaments, and there was no national camp. The suspension should have been lifted long ago.”
Upcoming Events
With the suspension lifted, WFI can now organize selection trials for the Asian Championship, scheduled from March 25 in Amman, Jordan. The wrestling community hopes for a smooth return to competitions and better governance in the future.
