Sports ministry revokes WFI suspension, Asian Championship selection trials to resume

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has revoked the suspension imposed on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), bringing an end to months of uncertainty in Indian wrestling. This decision paves the way for the resumption of activities, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman, Jordan.

The ministry had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, citing governance and procedural lapses by the newly elected body, which came into power on December 21. The Sanjay Singh-led administration had announced the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda—considered the stronghold of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This decision irked the government, as the former BJP MP was facing charges of sexual harassment.

In its order, the Sports Ministry stated that the WFI has now taken compliant measures.

"In the larger interest of the sport and athletes, the ministry has decided to lift the suspension," it said.

Response from WFI

WFI President Sanjay Singh welcomed the decision, stating, "I thank the government for taking this step. It will allow us to function smoothly. It was needed for the sake of the sport. The athletes were suffering for lack of competitions."

The ministry, however, has issued certain directives to WFI to ensure better governance.

"The federation has to ensure that there is a balance of power among the elected office bearers, and it keeps itself disassociated from the suspended/terminated officials," the order stated.

Additionally, the WFI Executive Committee (EC) must submit an undertaking within four weeks, confirming compliance.

"Any violation of the undertaking will invite appropriate legal action, including action under the Sports Code," the ministry warned.

Selection process and future compliance

The ministry further stressed that WFI must conduct selection trials for all international events in a "free, fair, and transparent manner as per the extant provisions of the Sports Code and other latest instructions issued in this regard, along with regulations issued from time to time by the UWW (United World Wrestling)," the order added.

Sanjay Singh assured that WFI is prepared to comply with the directives.

"We have already shifted to a new office and soon we will call for an EC meeting and also issue a circular for the selection trials. We have no issues in following these instructions," he said.

Impact of suspension and court cases

The revocation of suspension comes just in time for the Asian Championship, scheduled to be held in Amman from March 25. Due to the suspension and legal disputes, Indian wrestlers missed out on competing in the Ranking Series tournaments in Zagreb and Albania.

Prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Satyawart Kadian, had filed court cases arguing that the suspended WFI lacked authority to select national teams. The court directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to reinstate an ad-hoc panel to manage WFI, but the IOA refused, citing UWW's stance that it only recognises WFI.

UWW had also threatened to suspend WFI again if external interference in its governance continued.

Relief for wrestling community

The lifting of the suspension has brought relief to the wrestling fraternity.

"We are so relieved that this suspension has been lifted. There was a complete lull, and the young wrestlers were suffering for no fault of theirs. They were missing tournaments, there was no national camp. The suspension should have been lifted long back," said a coach from a leading training centre in Haryana.

PTI