WFI suspended just 3 days after Sanjay Singh assumes chief role

Three days into Sanjay Singh's tenure as the new chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the Sports Ministry has taken the unprecedented step of suspending the organization. This move comes in the wake of Sakshi Malik's decision to retire from professional wrestling and Bajrang Punia's symbolic protest, leaving his Padma Shri outside the Prime Minister's residence, both actions being responses to Singh's appointment.

The Sports Ministry, in an official statement, accused the wrestling body of hasty decision-making, specifically pointing to the abrupt announcement of the nationals by Sanjay Singh. The Ministry contends that such decisions are the purview of the Executive Committee and must follow established constitutional procedures, which were allegedly disregarded.

The Sports Ministry further claims that the newly-elected WFI body, led by Sanjay Singh, appears to be under the influence of the previous office-bearers accused of sexual harassment. The Ministry asserts that the operations of the federation are being conducted from premises controlled by the former office-bearers, who are currently facing legal scrutiny for alleged sexual misconduct.

The statement emphasizes that the decisions made by the new executive body violate both the WFI's constitution and the National Sports Development Code. This suspension raises questions about governance norms, transparency, and accountability within the wrestling federation.