The Sports Ministry declared that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) lacks the authority to organize the Senior National Championships. Events conducted by WFI will be deemed "unsanctioned" and "unrecognized." This statement followed the Ministry's suspension of WFI due to rule violations, leading the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish a temporary panel to oversee WFI's affairs.
Sanjay Singh, President of the suspended WFI, remained defiant, expressing intentions to host the national championships despite denying recognition to both the suspension of the newly-elected body and the ad-hoc panel.
In a firm response to the WFI's Circular regarding the Senior National Wrestling Championship, the Ministry highlighted that WFI lacked authority to issue such communications or use their letterhead, citing violation of sports codes and laws governing the use of official emblems and names.
The Ministry explicitly warned that championships organized by the suspended WFI would not be acknowledged or endorsed. Participation certificates and medals from these events won't hold significance for government schemes, job appointments, admissions under sports quotas, or sports awards.
The Ministry clarified that only championships supervised by the IOA-appointed Ad hoc Committee for Wrestling would be recognized, emphasizing that government benefits would only apply to participants in these officially sanctioned championships.
Meanwhile, the ad-hoc panel announced plans to host the senior national championships in Jaipur from February 2-5.
The wrestling community has been embroiled in internal conflicts, notably involving Sanjay Singh, who is closely associated with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, facing sexual harassment allegations. Wrestlers like Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat returned their awards in protest, while Sakshi Malik quit wrestling following Sanjay's election win.
Rohtash Singh, President of Haryana Amateur Wrestling Association, viewed the Ministry's stance as a positive step, foreseeing it as a significant milestone for upcoming wrestlers.
(With Agency Inputs)
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