Slap on Brij Bhushan’s face as government suspends new wrestling body; Ex-WFI chief takes ‘Sanyas’

Digital Desk: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) witnessed a swift and dramatic upheaval just three days after the election of Sanjay Singh as its president. The Union Sports Ministry, expressing grave concerns, suspended the newly-elected body, citing a blatant disregard for established rules and regulations.

Sanjay Singh's victory was initially celebrated by former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a close ally, who confidently asserted that no support would be extended to protesting wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. 

However, the jubilation was short-lived as the Sports Ministry intervened, instructing the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish a temporary panel to oversee WFI affairs, including athlete selection.

The ministry's primary grievance centred around the hasty announcement of national competitions without adhering to due process. Sanjay Singh, triumphant over Anita Sheoran by a substantial margin, promptly declared the Junior National competition, a move deemed in violation of WFI's constitution. The Sports Ministry emphasized that a minimum 15-day notice is mandatory for such decisions, highlighting a clear breach of protocol.

In a scathing rebuke, the ministry accused the newly-elected body of being under the influence of former office-bearers, who faced serious allegations of sexual harassment. The business of the federation, according to the ministry, continued to operate from premises controlled by individuals implicated in these allegations, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the newly formed leadership.

"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," declared the Sports Ministry. 

It went further to criticize the apparent arbitrariness of President Sanjay Singh's actions, emphasizing the importance of adherence to governance norms for ensuring fair play, transparency, and accountability.

The repercussions of this suspension were immediately felt, with Olympic medal-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik announcing her retirement from the sport in response to the unfolding turmoil. Bajrang Punia took a more direct route, expressing his discontent by returning his Padma Shri award and addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his concerns.

The situation also took a political turn as Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP Member of Parliament and former WFI president, faced further scrutiny. His meeting with BJP President JP Nadda following the government's suspension of WFI added a layer of political intrigue to the already complex scenario.

As the wrestling community grapples with this unexpected crisis, the focus now shifts to the actions of the IOA's temporary panel and the subsequent steps to restore stability and credibility to the Wrestling Federation of India. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between sports administration, governance norms, and the imperative to protect the well-being of athletes.