Wrestling Federation of India reverts to old office amid ban
What's the story
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been compelled to return to its old premises, owing to an active ban by the Sports Ministry.
The federation's office has now been shifted to 21, Ashoka Road, Janpath, the residence of ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The move comes after the WFI management's failed attempts to find a new place due to the ministry's ban.
Here's more.
Relocation struggles
WFI's relocation history and failed attempts to secure new premises
Notably, the WFI had earlier shifted its office from Singh's residence to Hari Nagar in 2023 after leading Indian wrestlers accused him of sexual harassment.
Last month, WFI President Sanjay Singh announced the office would be shifted from Hari Nagar to a new site in Connaught Place on February 2.
However, the Sports Ministry's ban thwarted those plans, forcing them back to their old location.
Ban impact
Sports Ministry's ban hinders WFI's search for new location
The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI in December 2023, after newly elected president Sanjay Singh announced plans to host the U-15 and U-20 nationals at Nandini Nagar in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district.
Meanwhile, this suspension has greatly impacted the federation's search for a new office.
A WFI official said potential landlords were hesitant to lease premises due to the ministry's ban.
Federation's dedication
WFI's commitment to wrestling amid relocation challenges
Despite the hurdles created by the ban, the WFI is determined to keep wrestling on track.
The federation has temporarily shifted back to its old premises until a new one is found.
This is subject to the lifting of the Sports Ministry's ban, a WFI official said, as per ANI.
WFI body suspended
Sports Ministry suspended newly-elected Brij Bhushan aide-led WFI body
The Union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry had reportedly suspended the newly-formed WFI body in December 2023, which was led by Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Meanwhile, the action was taken over its "hasty" announcements of national competitions.
This came after several wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, held a five-month-long protest in 2023 against Brij Bhushan, accusing him of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
Legal action
WFI contested HC order over IOA's ad-hoc committee reinstatement
The WFI had challenged a Delhi High Court order in August 2024.
This ruling reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc committee's authority over the federation's operations.
In his interim order, Justice Sachin Datta allowed the IOA to reestablish the committee previously headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa.
The WFI voiced concerns that this 'interference' could potentially jeopardize Indian wrestlers' participation in the upcoming World Championships.
Withdrawal
WFI withdrew India from World Championships over government interference
In October 2024, the WFI withdew from the Indian team from the World Championships in Tirana, Albania.
The decision, which was announced in October 2024, (four days before the tournament) was communicated to United World Wrestling (UWW), citing undue interference by the Indian Sports Ministry.
Meanwhile, WFI President Sanjay Singh explained the decision to the UWW stating that the ministry's suspension of WFI on December 24, 2023, has affected the federation's work.