Govt Suspends Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Panel
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has recently faced a major setback as the government suspended its newly-elected executive committee. This decision comes after the WFI announced the upcoming national championships for the Under-15 and Under-20 categories without following the necessary procedures and giving sufficient notice to the wrestlers. The controversy surrounding the election of Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as the WFI president added fuel to the fire.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had a “request” for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)’s newly-elected president Sanjay Singh on Thursday, amid celebrations and sloganeering at his MP bungalow in New Delhi, which also doubles as the WFI office.
Within minutes, Singh issued an order stating the date and location of the age-group championships – December 28 to 30 in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, Brij Bhushan’s hometown.
Suspension of WFI: Violation of Legal and Procedural Norms
The Sports Ministry, in its announcement, highlighted the “blatant disregard for established legal and procedural norms” by the newly-elected WFI executive committee. The decision to hold the under-15 and under-20 nationals in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda, which happens to be Brij Bhushan’s stronghold, without proper notice to the wrestlers sparked outrage. The ministry noted that this announcement violated the constitution of the WFI and failed to follow the principles of good governance.
Allegations of Procedural Lapses and Violation of WFI Constitution
The suspension of the WFI executive committee was not without reason. Prem Chand Lochab, the newly-elected WFI secretary-general, raised concerns about procedural lapses and the violation of the WFI’s constitution. Lochab pointed out that the decision to host the age-group championships was made without involving him in an Executive Committee meeting, which was held without notice or a quorum. These breaches of the constitution further fueled the controversy surrounding the WFI.
Government’s Action: Upholding Principles of Good Governance
The government’s decision to suspend the WFI was an attempt to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organizations. The Ministry of Sports emphasized the importance of fair play, transparency, and accountability in the functioning of federations. The ministry also highlighted the alleged control of the former office-bearers over the newly-elected body, with the federation’s business being conducted from premises controlled by them. This raised concerns about the governance and integrity of the WFI.
Controversial Venue Choice: Gonda and Allegations of Sexual Harassment
One of the major points of contention was the choice of Gonda as the venue for the under-15 and under-20 nationals. Gonda is the constituency of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and several allegations of sexual harassment against him have surfaced in the past. Wrestler Sakshi Malik expressed her concerns, stating that junior women wrestlers might not feel comfortable competing in the region. The ministry’s suspension order also mentioned the alleged sexual harassment incident and ongoing court proceedings related to it.
The Role of Brij Bhushan Singh and Sanjay Singh
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI chief, has been a central figure throughout this controversy. While he distanced himself from the WFI row after the suspension, his influence over the newly-elected body has raised eyebrows. Sanjay Singh, the close aide of Brij Bhushan, was elected as the WFI president, leading to allegations of the former office-bearers remaining in control. The government took note of these concerns and suspended the newly-elected executive committee.
Wrestlers’ Response and Impact on the Future of Wrestling
The decision to suspend the WFI has garnered mixed reactions from the wrestling community. Some wrestlers welcomed the government’s action as a positive step towards justice, while others expressed disappointment and uncertainty about the future of wrestling in India. Sakshi Malik’s retirement and Bajrang Punia’s return of the Padma Shri award reflected their dissatisfaction with the election results. The government’s intervention raises questions about the need for fresh elections and the inclusion of neutral officials in the WFI.
Government’s Authority to Suspend and the Way Ahead
The Sports Ministry’s decision to suspend the WFI was based on its authority to uphold governance norms in sports organizations. The government recognized violations of the Sports Code and the WFI’s constitution in the decision-making process. To ensure the smooth functioning of the WFI, the ministry directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc committee to manage the federation’s affairs. This step aims to address concerns about governance and integrity within the WFI.
Conclusion: Striving for Justice and Good Governance
The suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India’s executive committee reflects the government’s commitment to justice and good governance in sports. The controversy surrounding the election process, choice of venue, and procedural lapses prompted the ministry to take action. The government’s intervention aims to restore transparency, fairness, and accountability in the functioning of the WFI. As wrestling enthusiasts and stakeholders await further developments, the future of wrestling in India hangs in the balance, with hopes for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and good governance.
