Under the direction of recently elected president Sanjay Singh, the Wrestling Federation of India has been suspended by the Union Sports Ministry. Additionally, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was ordered by the Sports Ministry to set up an ad hoc committee to oversee and administer WFI’s operations.
In a formal statement released on December 24, the Ministry stated that it had made its decision due to the newly elected body’s rash decisions and total disrespect for the laws and regulations in place.
Sanjay Singh says they might look at legal possibilities.
In response to the events, Mr. Sanjay Singh stated that the WFI will ask the government to lift its suspension, stating that it has complied with all regulations in making judgments. Should the matter still not be resolved, the organization may pursue legal recourse.
“We are asking the sports minister for more time and asking that the suspension be removed. We may investigate legal options if the matter cannot be resolved through discussion,” Mr. Sanjay Singh told PTI.
We will clarify that in making our selections, we adhered to the rules. We’ll give the evidence. Every choice that was made was done so by consensus. I didn’t make the decision myself. The sports administrator continued, “We have everything in writing, including affidavits from 24 state associations and emails.
The Sports Ministry’s decision may be challenged in court
The Sports Ministry’s decision may be challenged in court, according to newly elected WFI chief Sanjay Singh. Sakshi Malik applauds this development, but Bajrang Punia says he won’t return his Padma Shri until justice is served.
Sakshi Malik applauds the choice
Sakshi Malik, a well-known figure in the protests against former WFI head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, applauded the WFI’s suspension in the meantime.
It is the initial phase of a positive development. “I hope the government has a better understanding of the reason we were fighting,” Ms. Malik expressed.
“The safety of female wrestlers will be improved if there is a female federation president present. It was a battle for the nation’s daughters and sisters, she continued.
In protest of Mr. Sanjay Singh’s election as WFI President, Bajrang Punia gave back his Padma Shri medallion to the government on Friday. He then declared that he would not be taking back his award.
“I won’t be taking it back now that I’ve returned it. No prize can compare to the honour bestowed to our sisters and daughters. You’ve all seen what is going on,” the bronze medallist from the Tokyo Olympics said to PTI.
“I won’t consider taking it back until justice has been served. We are awaiting justice while the case is in court,” he continued.
During his time as WFI president, Mr. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was accused by Mr. Punia, Ms. Malik, and Vinesh Phogat of sexually abusing female wrestlers.
On December 21, Mr. Sanjay Singh declared that before the year ends, the U-15 and U-20 nationals would be held in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (U.P.). The Sports Ministry cited the statement and stated that it was against the rules and that players needed to be given 15 days’ notice to prepare. To constitute the panel as soon as possible, the Ministry has written to the IOA.
The letter, signed by Tarun Pareek, under secretary to the Government of India, stated, “… taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI.”
“It is now incumbent upon the IOA to make appropriate arrangements for the interim management of WFI’s affairs so that athletes of the wrestling discipline do not suffer in any way and the principle of good governance in the sports body do not get jeopardized,” he wrote in a letter to IOA President PT Usha. “This requires for immediate and stringent corrective measures to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organizations.”
“The WFI constitution has not been adhered to by the new body. We have paused until further orders, not ended the Federation. They only have to go by the regulations and the proper procedures, an official from the Sports Ministry told PTI. The source went on to detail the suspension’s justifications.
“On December 21, 2023, the day he was elected president of WFI, Sanjay Kumar Singh, the just elected president, declared that the U-15 and U-20 national wrestling tournaments would take place in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the year is over.
“This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI.
“As per clause 3 (e) of preamble of constitution of WFI, object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange holding of Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee,” said the Ministry’s source.
On December 21, Mr. Sanjay Singh, a supporter of Mr. Brij Bhushan Singh, won the most votes and was chosen as the body’s president. His panel also took home the majority of the positions.
The Rio Olympic bronze medallist, Ms. Malik, made a dramatic announcement shortly after the elections, leaving her shoes on the table, indicating her desire to retire from the sport. “We desired a female president, but that was not realized,” Ms. Malik added, her eyes welling with tears.
Mr. Punia and Ms. Malik had asked Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to prevent anyone connected to Mr. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from running in the WFI polls ahead of the elections.
On December 22, Mr. Punia declared his intention to return his Padma Shri. “I’m giving the Prime Minister my Padmashree back. This letter is all I have to say. This is my message,” the bronze-winning wrestler from the Tokyo Olympics wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Gold medallist at the Deaflympics, Virender Singh Yadav, also known as Goonga Pehlwan, made the decision on December 23 to return his Padma Shri to the government in support of the nation’s best wrestlers who have voiced their opposition to Mr. Singh’s candidacy. “I will also give my sister and the nation’s daughter their Padma Shri back. Virender commented on X, “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, I am proud of your daughter and my sister Sakshi Malikkh.
