Sports Ministry Revokes Wrestling Federation's Suspension In 'Larger Interest Of Athletes', Sanjay Singh Returns As Chief

On Tuesday (11 March), the Sports Ministry revoked the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), reinstating full authority to its president, Sanjay Singh, Indian Express reported.

Singh is a close associate of former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who had to leave the post after allegations of sexual harassment by female athletes. Subsequently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also denied him ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

On 24 December 2023, the ministry issued an order to suspend the WFI, instructing the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish a temporary committee for managing the daily operations of the national sports federation.

The suspension was revoked based on the findings of the Spot Verification Committee that the WFI took the compliance measures. The larger interest of Indian sports and athletes was also considered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to revoke the suspension.

The ministry restored WFI's recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling with immediate effect, with certain conditions like, "The WFI must revert the amendments carried out during the suspension period and have a balance of power among the designated office bearers."

The WFI has been asked to provide checks and balances in the decision-making process within four weeks. It has been asked to ensure adherence to the Sports Code, principles of good governance, and athlete welfare policies.

“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 ministry directed.

"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," it added.

“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 ministry said.