CHENNAI: Three days after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) had completed its election process which led to more protests by star wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, the sports minister stepped in and asked the executive committee to abstain from administering and managing the day-to-day affairs of the federation.
The sports ministry took this decision on Sunday in view of the certain actions taken by the newly-elected EC after the elections. Hours after getting elected as WFI President on Thursday, Sanjay Singh had announced that age group national championships (U15 and U20) will be held from December 28 in Gonda, UP. The sports ministry was not happy with the hasty announcement and had written a letter to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) listing out its reason for such a step.
The sports ministry also pointed out that they have taken “note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI.”
The ministry has requested IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to run the affairs of the WFI. The ministry also felt that what they have done is within the Constitution of India and provisions in the Sports Code give them that power.
Though many were taken by surprise, former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the man in the eye of the storm, apparently had an inkling of what was in the store for him.
Having left for Gonda, Uttar Pradesh only on Saturday morning, Brij Bhushan returned to New Delhi in the morning even before the order was issued.
As the developments throughout the day caught the wrestling fraternity off guard, the BJP member of parliament refrained from commenting until he met the party’s national president JP Nadda after which he told media that he is taking "retirement from the sport."
Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan’s loyalist, had comfortably won the elections for the top post in the WFI, held on December 21.
Will seek revocation: Sanjay Singh
WFI chief Sanjay Singh told PTI that they will seek revocation of the federation's suspension by explaining to the government that they have not flouted any rules and if the issue is not resolved, they may explore legal options.
"We are seeking time from the sports minister and will request him that the suspension be lifted. If the issue is not resolved through dialogue, we could explore legal options," Sanjay Singh said.
Sakshi welcomes it
Sakshi Malik welcomed the WFI’s suspension. “It is the first step towards something good happening. I hope the government understands more for what cause we were fighting,” she said. Bajrang Punia, who had returned his Padma Shri on Friday said he would not take it back as yet.
Ace wrestlers Bajrang, Sakshi and Vinesh Phogat had accused Brij Bhushan of sexually exploiting women wrestlers during his tenure as WFI president.
(With online desk inputs)