Govt suspends Wrestling federation: New body in complete control of former office-bearers | Sport-others News
Noting that the ‘newly elected body appears to be in complete control of former office bearers’, the Sports Minry, on Sunday, suspended the newly-elected body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
In a strongly-worded statement, the minry accused the new WFI committee, headed Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of showing ‘blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms’.
Last Thursday, the panel backed Brij Bhushan, a BJP MP, and led Sanjay Singh, assumed control of the WFI after its much-delayed elections took place in controversial circumstances.
Minutes after his appointment, Sanjay Singh met Brij Bhushan at the latter’s residence, which also doubles up as the WFI office.
The government lashed out at the arrangement. “The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled former office bearers,” the minry said. “Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and present the court is hearing the matter.”
Apart from this, Sanjay Singh’s decision to hold the under-15 and under-20 national championships would be held in Gonda, the backyard of Brij Bhushan, also irked the minry.
“This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI,” the statement noted.
It added: “The actions smack of complete arbitrariness on the part of the President, which is against the settled principles of good governance and devoid of transparency and due process. Adherence to governance norms is vital for ensuring fair play, transparency and accountability. These are crucial to build trust among athletes, stakeholders, and the public.”
Sanjay Singh’s appointment was opposed wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia. While Sakshi announced her retirement in protest, Bajrang returned his Padma Shri award.
