The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has made the decision to withdraw the Indian team from the upcoming World Championships in Tirana, Albania, citing undue interference by the Indian Sports Ministry. This decision was announced on October 24, 2024, and communicated to the United World Wrestling (UWW).
Background
The WFI was suspended by the Sports Ministry on December 24, 2023, following the election of new office-bearers. This suspension has significantly impacted the federation’s operations, including the scheduling of selection trials for the U23 and World Championship. Wrestlers such as Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian have been vocal in their protests, challenging the legality of the selection process.
Legal Challenges
The Delhi High Court had ordered the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the WFI based on the ministry’s de-recognition order. However, this ad-hoc panel was dissolved in March 2024 after UWW lifted its ban on WFI in February. Despite this, the Sports Ministry’s suspension order continues to affect the federation’s autonomy.
WFI’s Response
President Sanjay Singh wrote to UWW President Nenad Lalovic, detailing the Sports Ministry’s actions and requesting the invocation of Article 6.3 of the UWW Constitution. This article mandates that members govern and administer their activities independently, without political influence. The WFI also requested UWW to forward their complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
WFI withdraws India from World Ch’ship, writes to UWW about govt interference
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Wednesday withdrew the Indian team from the World Championship, conveying to world governing body, UWW, that the sports ministry is interfering with its… pic.twitter.com/GTT90Rt4Oz— The Munsif Digital (@munsifdigital) October 24, 2024
Impact on Wrestlers
The withdrawal from the World Championships means that Indian wrestlers will miss the opportunity to compete in 12 non-Olympic categories. The WFI expressed disappointment, stating that the ministry’s suspension has caused unnecessary suffering for the wrestlers.
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