Sports ministry lifts WFI suspension: Sanjay Singh lauds Govt, says move was needed for the sport's sake

In a significant development for Indian wrestling, the Sports Ministry has revoked the suspension imposed on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), bringing an end to months of uncertainty and paving the way for the resumption of activities, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman.

The ministry had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, citing governance lapses and procedural irregularities by the newly elected body, which took charge on December 21. The decision followed the WFI’s announcement of Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda, a venue linked to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces charges of sexual harassment. The choice of location had irked the government, prompting action against the federation.

Confirming the revocation, the ministry stated that the WFI has taken necessary corrective measures. "In the larger interest of the sport and athletes, the ministry has decided to lift the suspension," the order read.

Reacting to the decision, WFI President Sanjay Singh welcomed the move. "I thank the government for taking this step. It will allow us to function smoothly. It was needed for the sake of the sport. The athletes were suffering for lack of competitions," he told PTI.

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However, the ministry has imposed specific conditions on the WFI. The federation must maintain a balance of power among its elected office bearers and distance itself from suspended or terminated officials. The Executive Committee (EC) of WFI has been directed to submit an undertaking in this regard within four weeks, with any violation inviting legal action under the Sports Code.

Additionally, the ministry has mandated that selection for international events be conducted in a "free, fair, and transparent manner," in adherence to the Sports Code, latest government instructions, and regulations set by United World Wrestling (UWW). Singh assured compliance, stating, "We have already shifted to a new office and soon we will call for an EC meeting and issue a circular for the selection trials. We have no issues in following these instructions."

The lifting of the suspension comes as a relief for Indian wrestlers, who were unable to compete in the Ranking Series tournaments in Zagreb and Albania due to the ministry’s action and legal battles involving prominent wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Satyawart Kadian. These wrestlers had argued that the suspended WFI had no authority to select national teams.

With the Asian Championship set to take place in Amman, Jordan, from March 25, the move will allow Indian wrestlers to prepare and participate under a fully functional federation. A coach associated with a leading training center in Haryana expressed relief over the decision. "There was complete uncertainty, and young wrestlers were suffering for no fault of theirs. They were missing tournaments, and there was no national camp. The suspension should have been lifted long ago."

The development also settles a legal standoff between the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and UWW. While a court had directed the IOA to reinstate the ad-hoc panel for WFI’s governance, the IOA had refused, citing UWW’s recognition of only the WFI. The world body had even threatened to suspend WFI again if external interference continued.