WFI Chooses Not To Challenge Suspension, Stays Committed to Host Nationals Despite Warning By Sports Ministry

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has opted not to contest its suspension by the Union Sports Ministry, affirming its commitment to hosting the national championships.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reportedly chosen not to challenge its suspension by the Union Sports Ministry. Despite the suspension, the WFI proceeded with its Executive Committee meeting on January 16 (Tuesday), reiterating its commitment to hosting the national championships, despite a warning from the sports ministry.

WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasised that the constitution of WFI stipulates that only the Federation has the authority to conduct Nationals, not an ad-hoc panel. “WFI constitution mandates only Federation for conduct of Nationals and not ad-hoc panel,” said the WFI President, Sanjay Singh, as per PTI.

He also stated that the WFI affiliated state units have resolved to send teams to the Nationals organised by the National Federation and not to the one planned by the ad-hoc panel. “WFI affiliated state units decide to send teams for Nationals to be conducted by National Federation and not for the one to be organised by ad-hoc panel”, as stated by Sanjay Singh.

The WFI had previously declared its intention to organise the Nationals in Pune from January 29-31. In response, the Union Sports Ministry stated that the federation lacks the authority to conduct the Senior National Championships, and any event held by the WFI would be deemed "unsanctioned" and "unrecognised" on January 7 (Sunday). Despite the suspension, the WFI has consistently asserted its refusal to accept the suspension and its non-recognition of the ad-hoc panel. "We are going ahead with the meeting. I am expecting all affiliated units to attend the meeting. We will not step back. The decision to host the Nationals was taken at the AGM and the members will discuss and ratify it," WFI president Sanjay Singh had told PTI on January 15 (Monday).

The government suspended the newly-elected WFI body on December 24 (Friday), just three days after the federation held its election, citing violations of the National Sports Code and the WFI constitution, prompting a standoff between the government and the wrestling federation. The WFI on the other hand rejects the suspension, refusing to acknowledge the ad-hoc panel established by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee daily affairs.