The Crossbill Sports Desk
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has returned to operating from its former address at 21, Ashoka Road— the long-time New Delhi residence of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the federation’s ex-chief and a five-time BJP MP, The Indian Express reported.
This comes even as Singh faces a sexual harassment trial in a Delhi court, with allegations brought by some of India’s top women wrestlers.
The return of WFI to Singh’s address has reignited questions about the federation’s independence and adherence to the ministry’s directives, even as Singh continues to wield power behind the scenes.
Although Singh did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to these accusations, he continues to reside at this address when in the capital. His son, Karan Bhushan Singh, now represents the family’s political stronghold in Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh.
The move back to Ashoka Road raises eyebrows, as the Sports Ministry had suspended WFI in December 2023, partly citing concerns over the federation operating from premises “controlled by former office bearers.”
The ministry’s action followed allegations, outlined in a Delhi Police chargesheet, that incidents of inappropriate conduct had taken place at the WFI office when it was located at Singh’s official MP residence.
After the ministry’s suspension, WFI had shifted to a modest one-room office in Hari Nagar, which remained listed as its official address on the federation’s website. However, a visit by The Indian Express in July revealed the Hari Nagar office was locked, and by January 2025, the space had been occupied by a new tenant.
When asked about the office’s location, WFI Treasurer S.P. Deshwal maintained that Hari Nagar was still the official address.
Despite his claim of distancing himself from the federation, Singh’s influence remains evident. After the WFI elections, newly elected president Sanjay Singh, a close ally of Singh, visited Ashoka Road to garland him and pose for photographs.
However, Sanjay Singh has denied the report that the WFI office has returned to its old address at Brij Bhushan’s residence.
"The Wrestling Federation Office is still in Hari Nagar. Our activities are working from there, although we have found a new place in Connaught Place. We will shift there on Basant Panchami, 2nd February," he told news agency ANI.
This comes even as Singh faces a sexual harassment trial in a Delhi court, with allegations brought by some of India’s top women wrestlers.
The return of WFI to Singh’s address has reignited questions about the federation’s independence and adherence to the ministry’s directives, even as Singh continues to wield power behind the scenes.
Although Singh did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections due to these accusations, he continues to reside at this address when in the capital. His son, Karan Bhushan Singh, now represents the family’s political stronghold in Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh.
The move back to Ashoka Road raises eyebrows, as the Sports Ministry had suspended WFI in December 2023, partly citing concerns over the federation operating from premises “controlled by former office bearers.”
The ministry’s action followed allegations, outlined in a Delhi Police chargesheet, that incidents of inappropriate conduct had taken place at the WFI office when it was located at Singh’s official MP residence.
After the ministry’s suspension, WFI had shifted to a modest one-room office in Hari Nagar, which remained listed as its official address on the federation’s website. However, a visit by The Indian Express in July revealed the Hari Nagar office was locked, and by January 2025, the space had been occupied by a new tenant.
When asked about the office’s location, WFI Treasurer S.P. Deshwal maintained that Hari Nagar was still the official address.
Despite his claim of distancing himself from the federation, Singh’s influence remains evident. After the WFI elections, newly elected president Sanjay Singh, a close ally of Singh, visited Ashoka Road to garland him and pose for photographs.
However, Sanjay Singh has denied the report that the WFI office has returned to its old address at Brij Bhushan’s residence.
"The Wrestling Federation Office is still in Hari Nagar. Our activities are working from there, although we have found a new place in Connaught Place. We will shift there on Basant Panchami, 2nd February," he told news agency ANI.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment