UWW Lifts Ban On Indian Wrestling; Directs WFI To Give Guarantee On No Discrimination Against Protesting Wrestlers

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The world wrestling body (UWW) lifted the provisional ban on Indian wrestling but directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to give in writing that there will be no discrimination against wrestlers, who sat in protest against them.

UWW banned the Indian wrestling after WFI failed to hold the elections in time last year. UWW mentioned that the three wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, must not be troubled for their protests last year against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"The UWW Bureau met on February 9 to review the suspension among other topics and considering all the elements and information, it decided to lift the suspension," the world body said in a statement.

"The WFI has to immediately provide UWW with written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events, in particular trials for the Olympic Games and any other major national and international events. This non-discrimination includes the three athletes who protested against alleged wrongdoings by the former President (Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh)."

In the WFI elections held in December last year Sanjay Singh, a close aide of the former President, was elected the new head. The federation, however, was suspended within days of taking charge by the sports ministry which cited violation of the national sports code as the reason. The Indian Olympic Association then appointed an ad-hoc committee to run the sport.

The WFI rejected the sports ministry's decision and has been locked in a turf war with the ad-hoc committee. On Tuesday, it welcomed the UWW's decision.

"I welcome this decision by UWW. Ad-hoc committee holds no significance now," Singh, who is known to be a loyalist of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, told PTI. "We have been officially recognised, and my suspension has ended. Therefore, seeking legal advice holds no significance for us."

Speaking on the matter of discrimination against Bajrang and co, Sanjay Singh said there won't be any while urging the wrestlers, who are willing to participate, to attend the wrestling trials in March.

"I am committed to ensuring that no child's future is jeopardised. Since day one, I have advocated protection of the future of every wrestler. I will extend invitations to them for the upcoming trials organised by us," Sanjay Singh said.

"We will convene a meeting to determine the date and other details for the trials. We will send a letter to the Sports Ministry regarding this and the ministry will make the final decision."

"Currently, my entire focus is on sports and the athletes. As it's an Olympic year, our primary goal is to progress in sports and support our athletes. Everyone is encouraged to participate and prepare for the upcoming trials."

-With inputs from PTI