IOA Debars Outgoing Officials Of WFI From Undertaking Administrative Function With Regard To WFI's Operation

The decision comes days after the Sports Ministry declared the proposed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections on May 7 as "null and void".

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) prohibited all outgoing officials of crisis-ridden Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) from undertaking any administrative function with regard to WFI's operation with immediate effect, ANI reported. The decision comes days after the Sports Ministry declared the proposed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections on May 7 as "null and void", instructing IOA to look after day-to-day affairs of WFI and conduct elections within 45 days of formation of a ad-hoc committee. The committee, which was formed last month, was also instructed to manage WFI's day-to-day affairs, select wrestlers for international tournaments in the interim period. "The WFI Ad-Hoc committee will be responsible for managing affairs of the federation including selection and participation of sportspersons in international events," IOA had said in a statement. 

A three-member ad-hoc committee was formed following IOA executive committee’s meeting on April 27. The committee consists of Wushu Association of India President Bhupender Singh Bajwa, a retired judge and Olympian shooter Suma Shirur. The ad-hoc committee recently decided to hold selection trials for picking the Indian teams for 2023 U-17 and U-23 Asian Wrestling Championships. As per official statement, the trials will be conducted from May 17-19 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.  

World Championship medallist trio of Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia renewed protests against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation from the aggrieved wrestlers.

Earlier, Brij Bhushan, without making a mention of allegations against him, had shared a video message, saying he would not accept defeat till he has strength for fight.

"Friends, the day I reflect on my life, what I gained or lost, the day I feel I don’t have the strength to fight, the day I feel helpless, I won’t like to live a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death embraces me," he said.