Sports Ministry Lifts WFI Suspension Following Delhi High Court Ruling: Mansukh Mandaviya
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Synopsis
On March 11, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the lifting of the Wrestling Federation of India’s suspension as per a Delhi High Court directive, allowing wrestlers to compete in upcoming championships. This decision reinstates leadership and opens the door for domestic tournaments.
Key Takeaways
- Suspension lifted for WFI as per Delhi High Court.
- Restoration of control to Sanjay Singh.
- WFI to conduct wrestling trials on March 15.
- New guidelines established for WFI operations.
- Selection processes must be transparent.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been lifted in compliance with a directive from the Delhi High Court, aiming for a brighter future for wrestlers.
"In line with the High Court's ruling, the ministry has opted to revoke the sanctions, enabling our wrestlers to compete in the Asian and World Championships. This decision is also a matter of justice for the future of our athletes," Mandaviya stated to reporters on Tuesday.
The ministry restored the WFI's status on Tuesday, handing control back to president Sanjay Singh, a close associate of former federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh—the BJP MP facing allegations of sexual harassment against female wrestlers. This resolution also permits the WFI to organize national tournaments and select teams for international competitions.
Sanjay Singh confirmed that the WFI will hold wrestling trials on March 15 in New Delhi. "This is great news for all wrestling enthusiasts. We will be conducting trials on March 15 in Delhi," he informed IANS.
The Sports Ministry had suspended the Sanjay Singh-led federation just three days post-elections, following the announcement of U15 and U20 nationals, and requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to set up a temporary committee to manage the WFI's operations.
On December 21, 2023, the day Sanjay took over as WFI president, he announced that national trials for wrestling in the U-15 and U-20 categories would take place in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The suspension resulted in the establishment of an Ad-hoc committee by the IOA to supervise the WFI's daily functions.
The ministry's letter included stipulations for running the federations. “The WFI must reverse the amendments made during the suspension period, ensure a balance of power among the designated office-bearers, and provide checks and balances in the decision-making process, which should be completed in four weeks.”
"Any individual not elected as an office-bearer, along with suspended or terminated salaried officials of the WFI, must remain completely disassociated from the Federation and its affiliated units. The WFI's Executive Committee must provide a commitment in this regard within four weeks. Any breach of this commitment will result in appropriate legal repercussions, including actions under the Sports Code."
“The WFI must guarantee that the selection for all international events is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner in accordance with existing provisions of the Sports Code and other recent directives, as well as regulations issued periodically by the UWW," the letter concluded.
