After 14 months of contention and legal battles, the Union Sports Ministry has officially revoked the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
This decision paves the way for the National Sports Federation’s smooth functioning and allows wrestlers to participate in international events.
The Ministry initially derecognized the WFI on December 24, 2023, citing lapses in governance and procedural integrity by the newly elected body. The body was purportedly controlled by former office-bearers in complete disregard of the National Sports Code. This led to several sanctions, with the Ministry not recognizing WFI events, despite United World Wrestling (UWW) continuing to recognize WFI as the sole authority to send entries for international competitions.
The situation escalated as wrestlers protested against the then-WFI leadership, accusing them of irregularities and sexual harassment. The Delhi High Court subsequently restrained WFI from conducting selection trials due to the lack of government recognition and suggested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) consider forming an ad-hoc committee to run the federation. However, the IOA refrained from forming the ad-hoc panel in light of UWW’s stance in favor of WFI.
The Ministry’s latest order mandates the WFI to revert the amendments made during the suspension period and ensures a balance of power among designated office bearers. The WFI must also provide checks and balances in the decision-making process within four weeks. Moreover, non-elected office bearers and suspended or terminated salaried officials must remain completely disassociated from the Federation and its affiliate units.
Additionally, the Ministry emphasized that selection for all international events should be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, adhering to the Sports Code and UWW regulations.
The Ministry’s decision came after the court observed that the absence of a competent authority jeopardized wrestlers’ participation in international events. Following spot verification of the WFI office, confirming its relocation from the former president’s house, the suspension was lifted.
The WFI executive committee has been asked to provide an undertaking within four weeks, ensuring compliance with these directives to avoid legal action.
