The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Sanjay Singh, expressed gratitude to the central government after the Union Sports Ministry revoked the ban on the federation. He confirmed that wrestling leagues would begin in November-December this year.
WFI Suspension and Revival
The Sports Ministry had suspended WFI in December 2023 after Sanjay Singh, the newly elected president, announced U-15 and U-20 nationals in Nandini Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The ban disrupted wrestling camps and events, affecting wrestlers across India.
Speaking to ANI, Sanjay Singh called it a “happy moment” for Indian wrestling. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for lifting the suspension.
Wrestling Leagues to Boost the Sport
Sanjay Singh emphasized the importance of wrestling camps. He noted that these camps benefit wrestlers, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. They help athletes learn new techniques and share knowledge across states.
He also announced that wrestling leagues would launch by June-July and officially begin in November-December. These leagues would give Indian wrestlers exposure to foreign talent, improving their skills and competitive edge.
Protests and the WFI Ban
Several top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, had protested against WFI and former president Brij Bhushan Singh in 2023. They accused him of sexual misconduct, demanding justice.
Due to the delayed elections, United World Wrestling (UWW) banned WFI in August 2023. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) then formed an ad-hoc committee to oversee WFI’s affairs.
In December 2023, Sanjay Singh won the WFI elections. However, wrestlers opposed his appointment, alleging his ties with Brij Bhushan. Following this, the Sports Ministry suspended WFI again and reinstated the IOA’s ad-hoc committee.
Ban Lifted, WFI Back in Action
UWW lifted WFI’s ban in February 2024. In March 2024, IOA dissolved the ad-hoc committee, stating that WFI had regained its authority. With the successful completion of selection trials, Indian wrestling is now set to resume normal operations.
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