WFI suspension lifted by Government as Brij Bhushan ally Sanjay Singh regains Full Control

A massive development has arrived at the Indian Wrestling sector after recent doldrums as the Sports Ministry has lifted the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Tuesday (March 11).

With this decision, full control of the federation has been handed back to WFI President Sanjay Singh- an associate of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP MP accused of sexually harassing female athletes.

This marks a major shift from the Ministry's previous stance. On December 24, 2023, the government had suspended the WFI, stripping it of its powers and directing the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee to oversee its operations. The move had been seen as a strong response to governance concerns and allegations of misconduct within the federation.

However, in a dramatic reversal, the Ministry has now restored WFI's recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling, citing compliance with necessary measures.

"In view of the findings of the Spot Verification Committee, the compliance measures undertaken by the WFI, and in the larger interest of Indian sports and athletes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports hereby revokes the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued vide order of even number dated 24.12.2023 and restores its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling with immediate effect with following directions," the Ministry stated in an official letter.

Despite the reinstatement, the Ministry has issued firm directives to ensure better governance and accountability within the WFI.

"The WFI must revert the amendments carried out during the suspension period and have a balance of power among the designated office bearers and provide checks and balance in the decision-making process and this process should be completed in 4 weeks," the directive reads.

It also mandates that individuals who are not elected office bearers, including suspended or terminated salaried officials, must be completely disassociated from the federation and its affiliated units.

"The EC of WFI must give an undertaking in this regard within 4 weeks. Any violation of the undertaking will invite appropriate legal action, including the action under the Sports Code," the Ministry warned.

Further tightening the reins on the federation's functioning, the Ministry stressed the importance of a transparent selection process for international competitions.

"The WFI must ensure that selection for all international events should be done in a free, fair and transparent manner as per the extant provisions of the Sports Code and the other latest instructions issued in this regard along with regulations issued from time to time by the UWW."

While the decision to reinstate WFI may mark the end of a period of administrative uncertainty, it raises fresh questions about the balance of power, governance integrity, and the safety of athletes within Indian wrestling. The coming weeks will determine whether the federation can truly reform or if it risks plunging back into controversy yet again.