Sports Ministry suspends newly-elected Brij Bhushan aide-led WFI body
The Union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry has reportedly suspended the newly-formed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body led by Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The action was taken over its "hasty" announcements of national competitions, which the ministry claimed violated the provisions of the WFI's constitution. Alleged transparency issues have also led to the move.
Why does this story matter?
Several wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malikkh, held a five-month-long protest in 2023 against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexually harassing female wrestlers. After Singh was elected the WFI president, they expressed extreme disappointment, with Malikkh announcing her retirement in protest. On Friday, Punia also returned his Padma Shri award as a sign of protest against Singh's appointment to the post.
Singh announced nationals in violation of WFI norms: Ministry
This ministry's move came after Singh on Thursday announced under-15 and under-20 national wrestling competitions in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda before 2023-end. A ministry source said Singh's decision—without informing the Executive Committee (EC)—violated "due procedure," without sufficient notice for wrestlers to prepare. They also cited Article XI of the WFI constitution, mandating a 15-day notice period for EC meetings and quorum with one-third of representatives.
Decision came after Singh announced U-15, U-20 nationals
IOC's ad-hod panel to manage WFI; fresh elections likely
Moreover, the Sports Ministry has directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute a temporary committee to manage WFI's affairs as its newly-elected management has been suspended. "Serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI," said a letter signed by Tarun Pareek, an undersecretary to the Indian government. Fresh elections to the wrestling body are also likely, say reports.
New body began operations from Brij Bhushan's official bungalow
A Sports Ministry official told PTI that the federation will not be in charge of day-to-day wrestling operations until further directives are issued. Meanwhile, NDTV Sports reported that the new body had begun operations from Brij Bhushan's official bungalow, where the former office-bearers had operated, in violation of the Sports Code. This is the same location where some wrestlers were allegedly sexually harassed previously.
Move comes days after top wrestlers protested against Singh's appointment
This comes days after top wrestlers, including Punia and Malikkh, opposed the appointment of Singh as the WFI chief. The elections for the wrestling body president were held last week in which Singh beat Anita Sheoran, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Sheoran was reportedly backed by several top wrestlers, who protested earlier over allegations of Brij Bhushan sexually harassing female wrestlers.
WFI elections delayed after court stay
The WFI elections—initially set for June and later for August—were delayed due to a Punjab and Haryana High Court order extending a stay until September 25. The polls were finally held on Thursday in New Delhi, wherein Singh secured 40 of 47 votes against Sheoran. Previously, he served as the Uttar Pradesh wrestling body's vice president, besides holding several WFI posts.
Wrestlers protested against Singh's election
Following Singh's election, top wrestlers like Punia, Malikkh, and Vinesh Phogat held a press conference. Malikkh declared her retirement from wrestling in protest, describing Singh as Brij Bhushan's "business partner and a close aide." On Friday, Punia tried to reach Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi but was stopped at Kartavya Path, where he left his Padma Shri medallion on a footpath.
Know about wrestlers' agitation against Brij Bhushan
As many as six women wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation. With support from opposition parties and other citizen groups, the protesting wrestlers held an agitation from January to June, demanding action against Singh, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj. Though a Delhi court summoned him in the matter, he was granted bail.
