In a surprising turn of events, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a prominent BJP MP and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), announced on Monday that he has severed all ties with the sport of wrestling. This declaration comes on the heels of the Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs suspending the WFI, along with its newly elected chief and other office-bearers.
The suspension was prompted by the WFI’s decision, under the leadership of newly elected president Sanjay Singh, to host the U-15 and U-20 nationals in Nandini Nagar, Gond district, Uttar Pradesh. The Sports Ministry deemed this move “hasty” and a “complete disregard to the sports code.”
In response to the developments, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh clarified in a press conference that he is no longer associated with wrestling affairs in the country. He emphasized that Sanjay Singh, the new WFI president, is not a relative, and he has officially withdrawn himself from the sport’s administration.
Despite an earlier statement from Singh indicating plans to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Brij Bhushan made it clear that if such a meeting occurs, wrestling will not be on the agenda. He stressed that the wrestling issue is a matter between the government and the elected federation, and he has no involvement in the ongoing dispute.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh, the newly elected WFI president, responded to the Sports Ministry’s decision by expressing concerns about the future of children pursuing wrestling. He announced intentions to hold talks with the central government, Prime Minister Modi, and the Sports Minister to address the situation.
Singh acknowledged the friendship he shares with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh but clarified that they come from different communities and cannot be considered relatives. He highlighted his past role as joint secretary during Brij Bhushan’s tenure as the chief of the WFI and emphasized the importance of letting the federation run peacefully with the recent retirements of key figures like Brij Bhushan and Olympian Sakshi Malik.
It’s worth noting that Sakshi Malik, an Olympic medallist, announced her retirement from wrestling during a press conference. She claimed that the Centre reneged on its promise not to allow an aide of Brij Bhushan to be elected to any post in the WFI. Malik’s retirement adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing issues within the wrestling community.
In conclusion, the wrestling landscape in Bharat is undergoing significant changes, marked by the suspension of the WFI and the retirement of key figures. The rift between the government and the wrestling federation raises questions about the future direction of the sport and the well-being of aspiring young wrestlers in the country.
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