Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation Over Election Controversy

Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation Over Election Controversy

VoM News Desk | December 24, 2023 | 01:14 PM IST | Sports | Follow on Google News

Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation Over Election Controversy

Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation Over Election Controversy

The Union Sports Ministry took a significant step by suspending the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its office-bearers amidst ongoing turmoil triggered by the election of an aide of deposed president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as the new president of the federation.

The decision came following protests from star wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia.

The move followed the newly elected WFI president Sanjay Singh’s announcement of organizing the U-15 and U-20 nationals in Uttar Pradesh.

This decision led to Olympian Sakshi Malik’s emotional retirement announcement, alleging a breach of trust by installing an associate of Brij Bhushan as an office-bearer.

Expressing concerns over Sanjay Singh’s election, fellow Olympian Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri in protest. Both wrestlers had previously led protests against Brij Bhushan over allegations of sexual harassment.

In response to the Wrestling Federation’s plans, the Sports Ministry cited procedural irregularities and constitutional violations.

The Ministry highlighted the lack of proper notice, quorum, and involvement of the Secretary-General in the decision-making process of the Executive Committee.

The Ministry strongly criticized the WFI’s new executive body, alleging a disregard for established legal norms and procedural codes, accusing former office bearers of controlling the federation’s affairs.

Earlier, Bajrang Punia expressed his protest by returning his Padma Shri medal and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, registering his dissent over the recent WFI election results.

Sanjay Singh, an associate of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new president, sparking controversies and upheavals within the wrestling federation.

VoM News Desk

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