Delhi High Court stops Wrestling Federation of India from conducting Senior Nationals amid ongoing dispute

The Delhi High Court recently intervened in the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) plans to hold the Senior National Championships, citing that the ad hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) should manage WFI’s affairs while the suspension by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports remains active. The court’s decision, requested by protesting wrestler Satyawart Kadian, has created a significant shift in the management and operations within Indian wrestling, affecting upcoming events and athlete participation.

High Court ruling on WFI’s suspension

In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court emphasized that WFI cannot proceed with the Senior National Championships unless managed by the IOA’s ad hoc committee, as per a prior suspension order from the Sports Ministry. This ruling continues a period of uncertainty in the federation’s activities and decision-making, as the suspension, active since December 2023, remains enforced by the Union of India (UOI). Justice Prateek Jalan, while delivering the order, reaffirmed the court’s stance that the IOA’s committee retains operational authority over WFI’s activities until the Ministry’s suspension is revoked.

The court order came after Satyawart Kadian, a prominent wrestler and the spouse of Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, challenged WFI’s intention to conduct the Senior National Championships independently. Represented by senior counsel Rahul Mehra, Kadian argued that WFI’s actions would violate a court order reinstating the IOA’s ad hoc committee to handle WFI’s activities. Kadian emphasized the importance of proper adherence to the court’s previous directives, especially given the ongoing suspension.

Star wrestlers expected, WFI claims “Private Event”

Despite the court’s order, the Karnataka Wrestling Association (KWA), working under the WFI’s guidance, announced a high-profile lineup for the Senior Nationals scheduled to occur in Bengaluru from December 6-8, 2024. Expected participants include Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat, Asian Games medalist Deepak Punia, junior world champion Antim Panghal, and U23 world champion Reetika Hooda. The event is anticipated to draw over 1,000 wrestlers and officials from 25 state affiliates and various promotion boards, creating a prominent platform for Indian wrestling.

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However, WFI’s counsel, Hemant Phalpher, responded to the court’s order by asserting that the planned event is “private” and not an official national tournament, which means that results from the event will not affect national rankings or international participation eligibility. Phalpher argued that this distinction allows WFI to hold the competition without violating the suspension order. The court has required WFI to submit an affidavit clarifying the event’s non-official status within a week.

Tension between WFI and Sports Ministry

WFI’s suspension has led to several operational challenges and heightened tensions between the federation and the Sports Ministry. The suspension, which prevents WFI from officially organizing tournaments or selecting national teams, has created a bottleneck, with young wrestlers losing competitive opportunities and international exposure. Recently, WFI withdrew from the Senior World Championships, attributing the decision to perceived government interference.

A WFI official expressed frustration over the ministry’s stance, stating that the ministry has yet to clarify the suspension’s duration or provide guidance on resolving the situation. The official warned that the prolonged suspension could have long-term consequences for wrestling in India, disrupting development and deterring new talent.

The crisis has also reached the political sphere, as wrestlers petitioned Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to resolve the ongoing management issues. Mandaviya assured the wrestlers that the government would work to end this impasse.