United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for wrestling, has asserted its support for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), stating that it will accept entries for international competitions only from the WFI.

UWW supports WFI

This announcement comes in the wake of a recent court ruling by the Delhi High Court, which asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed ad-hoc panel to organize trials for the upcoming Asian Championships and Continental Olympic Qualifiers. The WFI, in response, stated that it would withdraw its circular related to the trials in Delhi.

The court ruling was in response to a plea from elite wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, who contended that the WFI couldn’t conduct trials as it remains suspended by the Sports Ministry. However, UWW President Nenad Lalovic communicated to WFI President Sanjay Singh that only the UWW-affiliated WFI can send entries.

Lalovic wrote, “From the outset, it is reminded here that, after the lifting of the suspension imposed by the UWW on your federation on February 13, 2024, UWW considers your federation as any other affiliated federation, duly functioning in compliance with the UWW regulations, and subject to all rights and obligations conferred by this status.”

He further clarified that the registration for international competitions can only be made by the UWW-affiliated national federations, using the competition administration system (“Athena”) exclusively, in accordance with the rules and deadlines provided by the governing body’s regulations.

This development has significant implications for Indian wrestling. It not only validates the role of the WFI but also puts to rest any doubts about the participation of Indian wrestlers in international events. However, it also raises questions about the future role of the IOA-appointed ad-hoc panel and the resolution of the ongoing tussle between the WFI and the Sports Ministry.

India has secured only one quota place for the Paris Olympics so far, courtesy of Antim Panghal in the women’s 53kg category. This situation has brought Indian wrestling into a deeper crisis, with uncertainties looming over the fate of the country’s participation in crucial international competitions.

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