 "WFI president Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, will now have full control of the national sports federation. Image: PTI")
The suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was revoked by the Sports Ministry on Tuesday, giving the body’s full control to WFI president Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former head and politician Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple female wrestlers .
The Wrestling Federation of India was suspended on 24 December 2023 after it hastily announced the Under-15 (U-15) and Under-20 (U-20) National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda, a region that is seen as a stronghold of Brij Bhushan.
While revoking WFI’s suspension, the Sports Ministry said the wrestling body has taken corrective measures, leading to the removal of the ban.
“In view of the findings of the Spot Verification Committee, the compliance measures undertaken by the WFI, and in the larger interest of Indian sports and athletes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports hereby revokes the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued vide order of even number dated 24.12.2023 and restores its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling with immediate effect with following directions,” the Ministry said in a letter.
The Sports Ministry’s decision paves the way for the Wrestling Federation of India to conduct domestic tournaments and select teams for international tournaments.
Sports Ministry asks WFI to follow Sports Code
The Sports Ministry has also asked WFI to revert the amendments it made while being suspended.
“The WFI must revert the amendments carried out during the suspension period and have a balance of power among the designated office bearers and provide checks and balance in the decision making process and this process should be completed in 4 weeks.
“Any person who is not elected as an office bearer, as also the suspended/terminated salaried officials of the WFI must remain completely disassociated from the Federation and its affiliate units. The EC of WFI must give an undertaking in this regard within 4 weeks. Any violation of the undertaking will invite appropriate legal action, including the action under the Sports Code.
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More Shorts“The WFI must ensure that 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 other latest instructions issued in this regard along with regulations issued from time-to-time by the UWW.”
The letter further added, “The WFI shall ensure adherence to the Sports Code, principles of good governance, and athlete welfare policies.”