In a surprising turn of events, the Bharat government has directed the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) panel to suspend all activities related to junior national competitions. The move comes a day after ace wrestler Sakshi Malik expressed concerns about the hastily announced junior national contests.
The Sports Ministry issued a statement, criticizing the newly-elected body for appearing to be in complete control of former office bearers, in blatant disregard of the Sports Code. The ministry raised alarm over the business operations of WFI being conducted from premises controlled by former office bearers, where allegations of sexual harassment against players have been reported and are currently being heard in court.
Sanjay Singh, the successor to former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, responded to the ministry’s action, stating that he had not received any letter yet and would comment only after reviewing the letter. Sanjay Singh’s election victory came amid allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, leading top wrestlers to seek action against him earlier this year.
The Sports Ministry’s strong rebuke also follows the disappointment expressed by Sakshi Malik, who, after the election results, announced her decision to quit wrestling. Malik had emphasized the wrestlers’ desire for a woman chief in the wrestling body, which did not materialize with the election of Sanjay Singh, an aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The ministry’s note highlighted that the announcement of the junior national competitions lacked sufficient notice and was issued without following the constitutional provisions of WFI. It criticized the newly elected executive body for demonstrating a blatant disregard for established legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI’s constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code.
The controversy surrounding the WFI elections has sparked outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the government of shielding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh despite serious allegations against him. The ministry also pointed out that the international wrestling body had not communicated the lifting of the suspension on WFI, which was imposed after internal polls were delayed due to the sexual harassment row and court cases.
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