Sanjay Singh-Led Wrestling Federation Suspended By Sports Ministry Over 'Hasty' Announcement

In a new turn of events, the?Sports?Ministry?has suspended the Sanjay Singh-led new Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body over 'hasty' announcement to hold nationals.

According to PTI, the?ministry?issued a letter stating, “Sanjay Kumar Singh, newly elected President of Wrestling Federation of India announced on 21.12.2023, the day he was elected as president, that U-15 and U-20 nationals for Wrestling will take place in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the end of this year.

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"This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI.”

The letter further read that as per clause 3 (e) of preamble of constitution of WFI, object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange holding of Senior, Junior and Sub Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee.

In its letter, the sports ministry has said that the newly elected body appears to be in complete control of former office bearers in complete disregard to the?Sports?Code

“The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers. Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and present the court is hearing the matter. The decisions made by the newly elected executive body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) demonstrate a blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI's constitutional provisions and the National?Sports?Development Code.

“The actions smack of complete arbitrariness on part of the President, which is against the settled principles of good governance and devoid of transparency and due process. Adherence to governance norms is vital for ensuring fair play, transparency and accountability. There are crucial to built trust among athletes, stakeholders, and the public,” the letter read.

With PTI inputs