Summarize

Simplifying... Inshort

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is challenging a High Court order that reinstated an ad-hoc committee to oversee its operations, following an appeal by prominent wrestlers.
The WFI, previously suspended for not following its constitution, fears this could lead to further international repercussions, with the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) potentially involved.
The UWW had previously warned of a possible suspension if a third party was appointed to manage the federation's affairs.

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The High Court's decision was a response to an appeal by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik (Image Source: X/@BajrangPunia)

WFI to contest HC order over IOA's ad-hoc committee reinstatement

By Rajdeep Saha

Aug 16, 2024

07:51 pm

What's the story

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed its intention to challenge a recent Delhi High Court order. This ruling reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc committee's authority over the federation's operations. The WFI voiced concerns that this 'interference' could potentially jeopardize Indian wrestlers' participation in the upcoming World Championships.

Legal action

Wrestlers' plea prompts HC order

The High Court's decision was a response to an appeal by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian. These athletes had requested a halt to the WFI's activities as the national federation for wrestling. In his interim order, Justice Sachin Datta allowed the IOA to reestablish the committee previously headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa.

Future steps

WFI plans to approach UWW and IOC

Sanjay Singh, President of the WFI, stated that they plan to appeal before a double bench. He also revealed their intention to reach out to the world governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Singh expressed fears about potential repercussions on Indian athletes due to external interference.

International concern

UWW president's warning to WFI

UWW President Nenad Lalovic had previously warned the WFI about potential consequences of an ad-hoc panel managing the federation's affairs. In a letter dated April 25, Lalovic stated that if any decision or order was made against their federation, and a third party was appointed to run daily operations in violation of UWW Statutes, UWW might have no choice but to temporarily suspend their federation again.

Past events

WFI's suspension and reinstatement: A timeline

The Centre had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly not adhering to its own constitution while making decisions. This led to a request for the IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee its operations. However, following elections conducted by the WFI, United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted this suspension on February 13, 2023.