The United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for wrestling, has issued a stern warning to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The UWW has threatened to reimpose a ban on the WFI if an ad-hoc committee is reinstated to oversee the federation’s affairs.
This development comes in the wake of the Indian Ministry of Sports’ threat to impose an ad-hoc committee to manage the WFI. The UWW has made it clear that it will not tolerate any third-party interference in the running of the national association of any country.
UWW’s stance on WFI’s affairs
In a strongly worded letter, UWW President Nenad Lalovic emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding the autonomy and independence of its national federations. He warned that if any decision or order is made against the WFI, and a third party is designated to run the daily affairs of wrestling in India in violation of the UWW Statutes, the UWW would have no other option than to reimpose a temporary suspension of the WFI.
The implications of this move could be severe. Not only would the federation face suspension, but the ban could also extend to the athletes. This could jeopardize India’s participation in the final Olympic Qualifiers next month. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) may also consider further action.
The UWW had previously placed the WFI under provisional suspension in August 2023 due to the WFI’s continued delay in holding elections. The ban was lifted in February 2024 after the WFI conducted elections. However, the Indian Ministry of Sports has yet to lift its suspension.
The WFI has been facing legal challenges as well. Elite wrestlers have questioned the legality of the WFI’s elections. The Ministry of Sports has stated that it will review the suspension only after there is a visible improvement in the WFI’s governance.
In the midst of these challenges, the WFI has taken steps to comply with the UWW’s demands. Recently, it appointed the Athletes Commission, with former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Narsingh Yadav elected as the chairman.
Wrestler Narsingh Yadav elected as Chairman of WFI’s Athletes’ commission
The situation remains tense as the future of Indian wrestling hangs in the balance. The WFI, the Ministry of Sports, and the UWW must find a resolution that upholds the principles of autonomy and good governance while ensuring that the athletes’ Olympic dreams are not compromised.
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