In a significant development, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has officially withdrawn the Indian team from the upcoming World Wrestling Championships 2024, citing government interference in the functioning of the federation. This decision has been communicated by WFI chief Sanjay Singh in a letter to United World Wrestling (UWW) president Nenad Lalovic. Singh expressed concerns about the persistent interference from the Union Sports Ministry, which has been affecting the federation’s autonomy.
The conflict dates back to December 24, 2023, when the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) de-recognised the WFI. The ministry’s directive barred the WFI from managing its day-to-day operations and instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation’s governance. Despite the IOA dissolving the ad-hoc committee in March 2024, the situation remained tense due to ongoing legal battles and protests from prominent wrestlers.
Singh stated: “The MYAS continues to interfere in the autonomy of the WFI. The ministry’s order from December 2023 is being used as a tool to disrupt our functioning.” He highlighted the ongoing court case filed by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Satyawart Kadian. These athletes have been at the forefront of protests against the WFI, demanding that an administrator manages the federation instead of an elected body.
In August 2024, based on the ministry’s earlier interference, the Delhi High Court directed the IOA to form another ad-hoc committee, further complicating the situation. Singh emphasised that the WFI had been in the process of organising selection trials for the World Championships in Albania, scheduled from October 28-31, 2024. However, a court order issued on October 4, 2024, restrained the WFI from selecting and sending athletes for international competitions.
“Because of the MYAS letter dated December 24, 2023, which has been the base for the court’s order, we are left with no option but to withdraw any entries that were sent for the Seniors World Championships,” Singh noted. He also requested UWW to invoke Article 6.3 of its regulations and take appropriate action. Furthermore, Singh urged the UWW to escalate the matter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure that the MYAS does not receive privileges or support from the IOA in future IOC events.
In his closing remarks, Singh expressed frustration with the current situation, stating: “It is clear that the four wrestlers are adamant on getting the WFI suspended, no matter what the cost is to all others.” The letter underscores the deepening rift between the WFI and key stakeholders in Indian wrestling, raising concerns about the future of the sport in the country.