The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) recently experienced a shift in its operational base, moving away from the residence of former President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The Sports Ministry had previously raised concerns over the federation's office being situated at Singh's official residence, resulting in the suspension of the managing committee for rule violations.
A notice posted at Singh's residence informed visitors of the federation's relocation to a new address, stating that the WFI office is now situated at 101, Hari Nagar near Ashram Chowk.
The move comes amidst assertions from the newly elected WFI panel, led by Sanjay Singh, who has sought to distance the federation from Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's influence. The Sports Ministry had highlighted the association of the WFI office with Singh's residence, also linking it to allegations of player harassment.
The ministry suggested that this arrangement indicated the WFI's subservience to former office-bearers' control. The relocation of the WFI office seems aimed at further separating the federation from Singh's influence.
Earlier protests led by prominent wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, followed by legal battles, led to the suspension of the newly elected WFI panel by the Sports Ministry. The ministry criticized the panel's decisions, particularly the organization of U-15 and U-12 women's nationals in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, for not complying with constitutional provisions.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formed an ad-hoc committee chaired by Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, alongside MM Somaya and Manjusha Kanwar, following the suspension of the WFI panel.
Amidst these developments, there were significant resignations and returns of awards from notable wrestlers after Sanjay Singh's election as WFI President, indicating a turbulent period within the federation.
(With Agency Inputs)
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