In a pivotal move, the Sports Ministry has suspended the operations of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) due to a blatant disregard for established rules and regulations. This decision stems from WFI President Sanjay Singh’s recent announcement, stating that the U-16 and U-20 nationals for wrestling will be held at Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the year’s end. The Ministry deems this decision a clear violation of the WFI constitution, as it lacks sufficient notice to the participating wrestlers.
Sanjay Singh, a close ally of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, assumed the presidency after a successful panel in the delayed polls. The Sports Ministry has expressed concerns over WFI’s departure from the constitution and labeled it a violation of the Sports Code.
In an official statement, the Sports Ministry highlighted the breach of the WFI constitution, emphasizing the importance of decisions on national championships being made by the Executive Committee with due consideration and notice. Notably, the recent decision excluded the involvement of the Secretary General, a crucial figure in overseeing the general business of the Federation and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements.
The statement concluded by expressing concern that the newly elected body seems unduly influenced by former office bearers, in clear disregard for the Sports Code.
This decisive move by the Sports Ministry to suspend WFI closely follows Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik’s retirement announcement, protesting the appointment of Sanjay Singh as WFI President—a close associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Earlier this year, several star wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, sparking sustained protests against him. The suspension of WFI marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the wrestling federation, with potential ramifications for the sport’s governance.
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