Vinesh Phogat Criticizes Sports Ministry's Move to Reinstate WFI
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Vinesh Phogat, Haryana Congress MLA and Olympian wrestler, has publicly opposed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' decision to reinstate the Wrestling Federation of India's affiliation. He criticized the involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds in sports governance and reiterated his commitment to fighting for justice in wrestling.
Key Takeaways
- Vinesh Phogat opposes reinstating WFI's affiliation.
- Concerns over the leadership of federations.
- Call for media awareness regarding sports governance.
- Legal battles surrounding the WFI continue.
- Vinesh's commitment to integrity in sports.
Chandigarh, March 12 (NationPress) Olympian wrestler and Congress MLA from Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, expressed strong opposition on Wednesday to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' decision to lift the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), restore its affiliation, and maintain the leadership of the existing office-bearers.
The Sports Ministry had suspended the federation led by Sanjay Singh just three days post-elections due to its announcement to conduct U15 and U20 national championships, subsequently requesting the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form a temporary committee to manage WFI's operations. However, on Monday, the suspension was revoked based on a ruling from the Delhi High Court.
Vinesh urged the media to highlight the concerning trend of federations being controlled by individuals with questionable backgrounds.
"I want the media to address this matter more vigorously. This is entirely unacceptable. In a nation where sports are in such dire straits, federations are being handed over to thugs and criminals," Vinesh, an accomplished athlete with medals from the World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships, and Commonwealth Games, stated to IANS on Wednesday.
Last year, Vinesh reached the finals in the 50kg weight category at the Paris Olympic Games before being disqualified for exceeding weight limits during the second weigh-in.
Vinesh has been embroiled in a prolonged dispute with WFI along with fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, accusing former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing female wrestlers. The current WFI president, Sanjay Singh, is known to have ties to Brij Bhushan.
Vinesh reaffirmed their commitment to continue the fight against WFI.
"These individuals openly assert their control before the entire nation. However, we will not retreat from this battle, regardless of the arena. Our struggle has consistently been for integrity and fairness, and we will persist in this endeavor with divine support. Others may act as they wish, but we will uphold what is just," Vinesh declared.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya clarified that the Ministry's decision to restore WFI's affiliation was in accordance with the court's directive. This decision also enables WFI to conduct domestic competitions and select national teams for international events.
"Following the High Court's ruling, the ministry opted to lift the sanctions to ensure that our wrestlers can participate in the Asian and World Championships. This also provides justice in terms of our athletes' future," Mandaviya told reporters on Tuesday.
