The Wrestling Federation of India‘s (WFI) suspension has been lifted by the Sports Ministry on Tuesday. The control of WFI has been handed over to president Sanjay Singh, who is known to be a close associate of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
The ministry had earlier suspended WFI through an order on December 24, 2023. The Indian Olympic Association was tasked with forming an ad-hoc committee to manage the federation’s daily operations.
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“In view of the findings of the Spot Verification Committee, the compliance measures undertaken by the WFI, and in the larger interest of Indian sports and athletes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports hereby revokes the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued vide order of even number dated 24.12.2023 and restores its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling with immediate effect with following directions,” read the letter from the Sports Ministry.
The ministry has outlined specific directions for the federation’s operation. These guidelines aim to ensure proper management and transparency in the organisation.
“The WFI must revert the amendments carried out during the suspension period and have a balance of power among the designated office bearers and provide checks and balance in the decision making process and this process should be completed in 4 weeks.”
“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 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.”
“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 WFI shall ensure adherence to the Sports Code, principles of good governance, and athlete welfare policies.”