UWW lifts suspension on India: What does that mean for Indian wrestlers

United World Wrestling (UWW), the world governing body of wrestling lifted India's provisional suspension but mandated the national federation to furnish written assurances ensuring non-discriminatory treatment towards Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, who had protested against alleged wrongdoings within the federation.

The suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), instated by UWW on August 23 last year due to delayed elections, was lifted after a review by the UWW Bureau on February 9.

However, the UWW emphasised that the WFI must guarantee fair consideration of all wrestlers, including the protesting trio, in various events, particularly Olympic Games trials and other significant national and international competitions.

Following the December elections, where Sanjay Singh assumed the presidency, the WFI faced immediate suspension by the sports ministry, leading to the appointment of an ad-hoc committee by the Indian Olympic Association.

Despite the ongoing dispute between the WFI and the ad-hoc committee, Singh welcomed the UWW's decision, asserting the insignificance of the ad-hoc committee due to UWW recognition.

Assuring non-discrimination, Singh intends to initiate reconciliation efforts with the protesting wrestlers, emphasizing the forthcoming Olympic trials' fairness.

The suspension, initiated amid protests against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment and corruption, saw Punia, Malik, and Phogat leading demonstrations, even after legal actions against Singh were initiated. Malik subsequently announced her retirement, accusing the new President of being a mere figurehead, while Punia and Phogat returned their national honours.

What's next for Indian Wrestlers after UWW lifts WFI ban?

With the ban lifted, Indian wrestlers can now compete under the national flag at upcoming UWW events. Additionally, the UWW directed the WFI to conduct elections for its Athletes' Commission by July 1, 2024, comprising active or recently retired athletes as candidates and exclusively involving athletes as voters.

The recent confusion within the wrestling community, marked by conflicting national championships held by both the WFI and the ad-hoc committee, saw Phogat clinching a gold medal in the 55kg category at the event organized by the ad-hoc committee in Jaipur, despite battling injury setbacks.