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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Following the Sports Ministry’s decision to suspend the newly elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body, the federation is now set to function under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
According to the notice directed at the IOA, the ministry expressed serious apprehension regarding the situation which could potentially leave a significant mark on the wrestling discipline.
BREAKING: Following the dismissal of former WFI chief #BrijBhushanSharanSingh‘s close aide, #Sanjaysingh, the Indian Olympic Association is slated to take charge of the #Wrestlers during the interim period till the next WFI elections. pic.twitter.com/P4lGofQWEM
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 24, 2023
“As wrestling is an Olympic sport, and WFI is an affiliate member of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI,” stated the official announcement.
The decision was communicated by the Under Secretary of the Central government.
Presently, the IOA has been urged to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee to manage and control all affairs of the WFI, in accordance to the defined roles of National Sports Federations under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
“In view of the above, it is requested that an Ad-Hoc Committee may be constituted by the IOA to manage and control the affairs of WFI, as per the defined role of NSFs in the National Sports Development Code of India-2011, including the selection of athletes, making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events, holding of sporting activities, etc., with immediate effect, until further orders,” the statement continued.
Presently, the dissolution of the WFI body also means that molestation-accused former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s close aide, Sanjay Singh, will also be stripped off his presidency.
These developments arrive in the wake of Olympian and bronze medallist, Sakshi Mallik, who declared her retirement from the sport till the day Sanjay was still the president. In January, the wrestlers had held a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Brij Bhushan’s resignation. However, no action was taken then.
