Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation of India’s Executive Committee for Procedural Violations

The Sports Ministry has suspended the newly-elected executive committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) due to multiple procedural violations observed in their recent activities. The decision comes after the committee, led by Sanjay Kumar Singh, hastily announced the under-15 and under-20 Nationals in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, without adequate notice to participants, breaching WFI’s constitution.

The ministry highlighted that the announcement contradicted WFI’s constitutional norms and was made without due consideration by the Executive Committee. Despite the inclusion of members from protesting wrestlers’ camps in the committee, vital decisions were taken without involving relevant stakeholders. Prem Chand Lochab, the joint secretary, expressed concern over the absence of due process, emphasizing the lack of consultation or invitation to the committee’s meeting.

Wrestler Sakshi Malik’s retirement announcement post-election, along with discomfort expressed by junior female wrestlers about the location, further underscored the contentious nature of the decision-making process. The suspension remains effective until further notice, aiming to ensure adherence to constitutional procedures and fairness in WFI’s operations.