The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 24
The Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for “failing to follow due process”. The suspension stems from WFI’s newly elected president Sanjay Singh hasty announcement that U-15 and U-20 nationals to take place in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the end of this year. The ministry also raised concerns about the new body’s close ties to former office bearers.
The move comes two days after top wrestler Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri award in protest against the election of Sanjay Singh, a Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh loyalist, as WFI president. Olympic medalist Sakshi Malik also announced her retirement citing similar concerns. “The government is committed to clean governance in sports and ensuring athlete welfare,” the ministry said.
The Sports Ministry has also asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Sunday to establish an ad-hoc committee. This committee is tasked with overseeing and administering the operations of the WFI.