In the midst of the uncertainty surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Nenad Lalovic, the head of United World Wrestling (UWW), has urged cooperation from all stakeholders, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), to ensure Indian wrestlers are not adversely affected in this crucial Olympic year.
Lalovic, in a letter to the IOA ad-hoc panel, expressed UWW’s willingness to recognize the new WFI, awaiting formal confirmation. This recognition is crucial for Indian grapplers’ participation in international events leading up to the Paris Games.
Multiple Olympic qualifying events are scheduled this year, and Lalovic, acknowledging the lack of training camps and competitions for over a year due to internal disputes, emphasized the importance of resolving the administrative issues promptly.
“The WFI and the IOA are requested to cooperate so that the athletes are not prejudiced and are duly entered in international UWW events under the same conditions as detailed in our suspension letter of August 23, 2023. We thank you for your attention and collaboration for the sake of all wrestlers in India,” said the UWW president in his letter.
UWW is well-informed about the newly-elected WFI under Sanjay Singh and is awaiting IOA’s confirmation of the election results. Lalovic outlined the need for a robust plan to ensure a safe environment for athletes, addressing concerns of abuse and harassment.
Considering the circumstances leading to WFI’s suspension, Lalovic called for a detailed and robust plan, including the establishment of safeguarding mechanisms, training for coaches, clear reporting channels for athletes, and a fair hearing process.
He also stressed the need for WFI to set up an athletes’ commission, ensuring quick redressal of disciplinary issues. Lalovic concluded that UWW would decide on lifting the suspension upon receiving these elements.
