New Delhi, Less than seven months before the Paris Olympics, the future of Indian wrestling is mired in confusion and uncertainty as administrative disputes escalate. The suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the sports ministry has left the sport’s fate hanging in the balance.
The Sanjay Singh-led panel of the suspended WFI refuses to acknowledge the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) three-member ad-hoc committee appointed to manage day-to-day affairs. This rift has led to collateral damage for young Indian wrestlers aiming to make a mark on the global stage.
The suspended WFI panel has rejected the ministry’s suspension of its newly-formed Executive Committee (EC) and plans to conduct the senior Nationals at dates and venues of its choosing. Additionally, they threaten to prevent WFI’s member state associations from participating in the ad-hoc committee-organized Nationals in Jaipur from February 2 to 5.
Sanjay Singh, head of the suspended WFI, has lodged complaints with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW), citing ‘government interference’ in suspending a ‘democratically’ elected wrestling body.
In response, the ad-hoc panel, led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, has announced the commencement of national camps for men and women in Sonepat and Patiala, respectively, from February 9. This move aims to give wrestlers time to prepare for upcoming Olympic qualifying tournaments.
However, a recurring dispute unfolds, reminiscent of the previous suspension of the WFI by the ministry eight months ago. The ad-hoc committee plans to organize an Open Nationals, strangely facilitated by the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), whose secretary is also the secretary-general of the suspended WFI. This strategy is intended to ensure maximum participation in case member state units refuse to send entries.
The conflicting narratives between the suspended WFI and the ad-hoc committee create uncertainty for Indian wrestlers on the eve of crucial international competitions leading up to the Paris Olympics.
