Sanjay Singh to challenge Government's suspension of WFI, alleging failure to follow proper procedure

In a recent development, the newly-elected president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh, has announced plans to challenge the government's decision to suspend the sports body. The suspension came just three days after the WFI elections, with the sports ministry citing violations of its own constitution, particularly related to decisions about the U-15 and U-20 National Championships.

Dispute over suspension process: Sanjay Singh vows legal action

Sanjay Singh expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the government did not adhere to the proper procedure and failed to hear the WFI's side before suspension. Defending the democratic election process, Singh highlighted the involvement of various authorities, including a retired chief justice and representatives from the Indian Olympic Association and United World Wrestling. He emphasized that the suspension contradicted the principles of natural justice.

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Political undertones and wrestlers' response

Sanjay Singh accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik of playing politics, suggesting they were backed by political parties. Bajrang's decision to return his Padma Shri and Sakshi quitting the sport after Sanjay's election further fueled tensions. Sanjay expressed hope for the United World Wrestling to lift the ban imposed on WFI, asserting that the newly-elected officials adhered to the organization's constitution in decisions like scheduling the National Championships.

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