New Delhi: In a significant move, the Indian Sports Ministry has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), paving the way for the resumption of domestic tournaments and national team selections. This decision follows the WFI’s implementation of corrective measures after a contentious announcement regarding national championships. Initially, the suspension was imposed due to insufficient notice given to athletes for the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships.
The WFI’s journey to this point has been marked by controversy. The suspension was first imposed on December 24, 2023, following a hasty announcement of the U15 and U20 National Championships. During the suspension, the WFI was managed by an ad-hoc committee to ensure continuity. The elections for the WFI, held on December 21, 2023, saw Sanjay Singh’s panel emerge victorious with a substantial margin. The controversy surrounding the championships involved allegations of inadequate notice to athletes and failure to adhere to WFI’s constitutional provisions. The ministry emphasized that the suspension was a temporary measure aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations, rather than a termination.
The lifting of the suspension marks a crucial step forward for Indian wrestling, allowing the federation to focus on organizing domestic events and preparing national teams for international competitions. This development is particularly important as Indian wrestlers prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the Asian Championships.
