In a letter addressed to Nenad Lalovic, President of United World Wrestling (UWW), the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has called for the immediate lifting of the provisional suspension imposed by UWW in August last year. Sanjay Singh, the newly-elected WFI chief, highlighted that as per UWW rules and the IOC charter, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) cannot exert any control over the WFI.
Sanjay Singh emphasized the autonomy of National Sports Federations (NSFs), citing a Delhi High Court order from August 16, 2023, which stated that the IOA cannot interfere in the affairs of NSFs. The letter underscored that any influence by the IOA in wrestling affairs should be deemed illegal by UWW.
Addressing the transparency of the election process, Sanjay Singh asserted that the elections were conducted under the Supreme Court’s directives and that the IOA was informed at every step. He urged UWW to acknowledge the elections’ legitimacy and lift the provisional suspension on the WFI.
The letter also referenced a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports confirmation letter, issued three days after the elections, confirming the successful completion of the polling process and the election of Sanjay Kumar Singh as President.
By PTI
