The Crossbill Sports Desk
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), reinstating its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling.
The decision also restores full control to WFI President Sanjay Singh, a close aide of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing women athletes, The Indian Express reported.
The WFI was suspended on December 24, 2023, due to governance concerns, and an ad-hoc committee under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was appointed to manage its affairs. However, after a Spot Verification Committee reviewed the federation’s compliance measures, the ministry decided to revoke the suspension "in the larger interest of Indian sports and athletes."
“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,” the newspaper quoted the letter from the Ministry.
The ministry has directed the WFI to revert any amendments made during the suspension period to ensure a balance of power among office bearers. This process must be completed within four weeks.
It also mandated that individuals who are not elected office bearers, as well as suspended or terminated salaried officials, remain completely disassociated from the federation and its affiliated units. The WFI’s Executive Committee must submit an undertaking to this effect within four weeks, failing which legal action will be taken under the Sports Code.
Additionally, the ministry has emphasized that team selections for international competitions must be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, in accordance with the Sports Code and United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations. The WFI is also required to uphold governance principles and implement athlete welfare policies in line with the Sports Code.
The decision to lift the suspension comes amid ongoing concerns about the WFI’s leadership and governance. The ministry has warned that any violation of its directives will lead to further legal action.
The decision also restores full control to WFI President Sanjay Singh, a close aide of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing women athletes, The Indian Express reported.
The WFI was suspended on December 24, 2023, due to governance concerns, and an ad-hoc committee under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was appointed to manage its affairs. However, after a Spot Verification Committee reviewed the federation’s compliance measures, the ministry decided to revoke the suspension "in the larger interest of Indian sports and athletes."
“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,” the newspaper quoted the letter from the Ministry.
The ministry has directed the WFI to revert any amendments made during the suspension period to ensure a balance of power among office bearers. This process must be completed within four weeks.
It also mandated that individuals who are not elected office bearers, as well as suspended or terminated salaried officials, remain completely disassociated from the federation and its affiliated units. The WFI’s Executive Committee must submit an undertaking to this effect within four weeks, failing which legal action will be taken under the Sports Code.
Additionally, the ministry has emphasized that team selections for international competitions must be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, in accordance with the Sports Code and United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations. The WFI is also required to uphold governance principles and implement athlete welfare policies in line with the Sports Code.
The decision to lift the suspension comes amid ongoing concerns about the WFI’s leadership and governance. The ministry has warned that any violation of its directives will lead to further legal action.
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