On December 24, India's Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports ordered the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry said that the reason for the suspension of the WFI was the hasty announcement of national competitions without following the proper procedures. In the past week, the Federation has undergone a reshuffle with Sanjay Singh being elected as the new WFI president.
Why did the Sports Ministry suspend Wrestling Federation of India?
According to IndiaToday, the Sports Ministry's statement also alleged interference by the previous WFI office bearers in the running of the Federation, saying,
Newly elected body appears to be in complete control of former office bearers in complete disregard to the Sports Code.
The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers. Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and present the court is hearing the matter.
The recent election of Sanjay Singh was highly controversial. Singh is a close aide and business partner of former President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh who was earlier this year accused of several instances of sexual harrassment by female wrestlers.
Reasons for the suspension of WFI as stayed by Sports Ministry pic.twitter.com/Fz5eAAGu8k
— jonathan selvaraj (@jon_selvaraj) December 24, 2023
MORE: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh charged with sexual harassment
In the wake of the election results, wrestling stalwarts Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia took extreme steps in protest. Malik announced her retirement from the sport at a press conference, while Punia returned his Padma Shri award, placing it on the steps of the Prime Minister's residence road.
MORE: Why did Sakshi Malik retire after he won the WFI election?
The acknowledgment by the Sports Ministry of the interference from former members, as well as the sexual harrassment allegations indicates that the reason for the WFI's suspension is not merely the hurried announcement of national competitions.
MORE: Latest sports betting and odds
