In a major relief for the Indian wrestling community, the Union Sports Ministry has officially revoked the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision restores WFI’s status as the National Sports Federation (NSF), allowing it to resume its operations and oversee the participation of Indian wrestlers in international competitions. This move ends months of uncertainty, governance disputes, and legal battles that had cast a shadow over the sport.
In This Article:
Background: Why Was WFI Suspended?
On December 24, 2023, the Sports Ministry suspended WFI due to:
- Governance and procedural lapses
- Failure to maintain autonomy
- Interference from former office-bearers
The ministry accused WFI’s new leadership of not functioning independently and claimed that the federation was still influenced by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI president who was embroiled in controversy over allegations of sexual harassment.
How Did the Suspension Affect Indian Wrestling?
The suspension had severe consequences:
1. Wrestlers Missed Key International Events
- Indian wrestlers could not participate in two Ranking Series events, impacting their global rankings.
- Preparation for Asian Championships and World Championships was disrupted.
2. Selection Trials Were Stalled
- WFI’s inability to conduct trials meant wrestlers lost out on crucial qualification events.
- The Delhi High Court had to intervene and stopped WFI from holding trials without government recognition.
3. Administrative Chaos
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was reluctant to take control, further delaying decisions.
- The United World Wrestling (UWW) recognized WFI but India’s government did not, causing confusion.
Why Did the Sports Ministry Revoke the Suspension?
After months of deliberation, the Sports Ministry decided to reinstate WFI based on the following factors:
- Compliance Check: Officials conducted a spot verification to ensure WFI was functioning independently.
- Legal Observations: The Delhi High Court acknowledged that wrestlers’ participation in global events was at risk.
- Athlete Welfare: The ministry realized that continued suspension was harming Indian wrestling’s future.
Conditions Imposed by the Sports Ministry
While lifting the ban, the Sports Ministry set strict conditions:
1. Removal of Suspended Officials
- Any non-elected person or suspended official must have no role in WFI’s governance.
- Brij Bhushan’s influence must be completely eliminated from WFI affairs.
2. Transparent Selection Process
- All national and international selections must follow a free, fair, and transparent process.
- Selection trials must be publicly announced in advance with clear guidelines.
3. Written Undertaking
- WFI must submit an undertaking within four weeks, confirming adherence to these conditions.
- Any future violations could lead to strict legal action.
Who Will Control WFI Now?
With the suspension revoked, the federation will now be led by Sanjay Singh, an ally of Brij Bhushan. This decision has raised eyebrows, as Singh’s close association with the previous leadership could mean a continuation of past issues.
- Some wrestlers and activists remain skeptical, fearing governance issues may persist.
- Others believe that with government oversight, WFI will function better.
Reactions from Wrestlers & Experts
The decision has triggered mixed reactions within the wrestling fraternity:
Positive Reactions
- Top Indian wrestlers welcomed the move, calling it a relief before the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Coaches believe that lifting the suspension was necessary to keep Indian wrestling globally competitive.
Concerns & Criticism
- Some senior wrestlers remain unhappy with the return of Brij Bhushan’s allies.
- Activists have called for greater transparency in WFI’s functioning.
What’s Next for Indian Wrestling?
With WFI back in action, the following key events will take place:
- Immediate Selection Trials: Trials for the Asian Championships will be held soon.
- Resumption of Training Camps: National camps will restart to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- New Leadership Scrutiny: The sports ministry will monitor WFI to ensure fair governance.
Moving Ahead: A New Chapter for Indian Wrestling
The Sports Ministry’s decision to revoke WFI’s suspension marks a crucial turning point for Indian wrestling. While it brings relief to athletes, concerns about governance and transparency still linger. The real test for WFI lies in how it conducts its affairs going forward—whether it upholds fair play and integrity or falls back into controversy. With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, Indian wrestlers now have a fresh opportunity to shine on the global stage.
By – Nikita
