The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has faced suspension by the government in response to concerns raised by ace wrestler Sakshi Malik regarding the hasty announcement of the upcoming junior national competitions.
The newly-elected WFI panel, led by Sanjay Singh, has been accused of being under the control of former office bearers, in violation of the Sports Code.
The Sports Ministry's statement revealed that the WFI's operations are allegedly being run from premises controlled by former office bearers, where sexual harassment allegations against players are being investigated in court. Sanjay Singh, an aide of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, succeeded him in the elections despite assurances that close aides and relatives of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh would not be allowed to contest.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh stepped aside after facing accusations of sexually harassing women wrestlers, including top athletes like Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat. The athletes had previously protested and sought action against Singh, leading to assurances from the government and the launch of a probe.
The recent election results, where Sanjay Singh secured victory against Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, have stirred controversy. Sakshi Malik expressed disappointment, announcing her retirement from the sport, emphasizing the wrestlers' desire for a female chief in the wrestling body.
Visuals of Malik breaking down during a media interaction sparked outrage, with Opposition leaders accusing the government of shielding Singh despite serious allegations against him.
Newly-elected president Sanjay Singh, close to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, dismissed the allegations against him and criticized the protesting wrestlers for engaging in politics. The government's decision to suspend the WFI panel reflects ongoing challenges within the wrestling community and raises questions about the transparency and accountability of sports governance in the country.
In a social media post yesterday, Ms Malikkh said she had quit the sport but was worried about junior women wrestlers. "They are calling me up and telling me that the junior nationals on December 28 are being held at Gonda (in Uttar Pradesh). Gonda is a stronghold of Brij Bhushan. Now imagine what kind of atmosphere the junior women wrestlers will be competing in," she said in a post on X.
The ministry's note says the new announcement to hold junior national does not give participants "sufficient notice" and was issued "without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI".
