The move comes in the wake of the suspension of the newly elected WFI management...
Digital Desk: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) finds itself embroiled in a storm of controversy, prompting the Sports Ministry to take decisive action. In a letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Sports Ministry has urged the formation of a temporary panel to oversee the affairs of the WFI. The move comes in the wake of the suspension of the newly elected WFI management, led by Sanjay Singh, amid a dispute with wrestlers.
The Sports Ministry, represented by Tarun Pareek, undersecretary to the Centre, expressed serious concerns about the governance and integrity of the WFI. The letter emphasizes the need for immediate corrective measures to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organizations. It places the responsibility on the IOA to establish a temporary committee to manage the WFI during this turbulent period.
The crux of the issue lies in the perceived influence and control of the WFI's former office bearers, raising questions about the organization's direction. The Sports Ministry insists that such measures are essential to prevent any adverse impact on the wrestlers and to safeguard the principles of good governance within the sports body.
The temporary panel, once formed, is expected to take charge of day-to-day affairs, including the crucial task of athlete selection. This intervention aims to ensure that wrestlers are not adversely affected by the ongoing dispute and that the governance of the WFI is not compromised.
Ace wrestler Sakshee Malikkh recently voiced concerns regarding the upcoming junior national competitions, prompting the Centre to order the suspension of all activities by the newly-elected WFI panel. The abrupt announcement of junior national contests was deemed "hasty" by the Sports Ministry.
The statement issued by the Sports Ministry points out that the newly elected WFI body seems to be under the complete control of former officebearers, disregarding the Sports Code. Furthermore, it highlights allegations of the WFI business being conducted from premises controlled by former office bearers, where instances of sexual harassment have been alleged and are currently under court scrutiny.
The controversy surrounding the WFI has roots in the accusations against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Brij Bhushan, a six-time BJP MP, stepped aside after prominent wrestlers, including Sakshee Malikkh, accused him of sexually harassing women wrestlers. The athletes, including Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat, took to the streets seeking action in January. The subsequent assurances from the government led to the suspension of their agitation.
Despite promises that close aides and relatives of Brij Bhushan would not be permitted to contest polls, Sanjay Singh's nomination was cleared, leading to a victory in the recent WFI election against Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran, who was backed by the protesting wrestlers.
In conclusion, the Sports Ministry's intervention underscores the urgent need for stability and ethical governance within the WFI. The formation of a temporary panel by the IOA is a step towards addressing the current crisis, ensuring the well-being of athletes, and upholding the principles of good governance in Indian sports organizations.
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