Union Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation of India Amid Protests

Union Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation of India Amid Protests

VoM News Desk | December 24, 2023 | 07:31 PM IST | Breaking News, India, Sports | Follow on Google News

Union Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation of India Amid Protests/ANI

Union Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation of India Amid Protests

The Union Sports Ministry has taken drastic action against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by suspending the entire federation and its office-bearers, following vehement protests by notable wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.

This move transpired in response to the controversial election of an aide of ousted WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the new president, sparking discontent among the wrestling community.

The decision to suspend the WFI came shortly after the newly elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, announced plans to host the U-15 and U-20 national championships in Uttar Pradesh’s Nandini Nagar.

Expressing disappointment, Olympian Sakshi Malik announced her retirement, claiming the government reneged on its commitment to abstain from appointing Brij Bhushan’s associate to a federation office.

In a strong protest, fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri award, expressing apprehension over Sanjay Singh’s election. Both athletes led a movement opposing Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexual harassment.

The Sports Ministry criticized the haste in announcing the national championships, highlighting violations of the WFI constitution’s clauses. It pointed out discrepancies related to Executive Committee meetings, quorums, and the absence of the Secretary-General’s involvement in crucial decision-making.

Moreover, the ministry condemned the newly elected WFI body for disregarding established legal norms, procedural codes, and the National Sports Development Code.

It emphasized that former office bearers seemingly exercised significant influence on the federation’s operations, contrary to the Sports Code regulations.

The ministry’s suspension of the WFI underscores a deepening crisis within the federation, with governance issues and alleged violations of constitutional provisions taking center stage.

VoM News Desk

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