Sanjay Singh, the suspended president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has rejected the ad-hoc committee established by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Wednesday, December 27. This development follows the suspension of WFI by the Sports Ministry, conveyed through a strongly worded letter earlier in the month.
“I don’t accept this adhock committee I will speak to the minister and if the matter is still not resolved will seek legal opinion,” said Sanjay Singh.
In response to the situation, the IOA took proactive measures by creating a 3-member committee to supervise the day-to-day operations of the WFI. Bhupendra Singh Bajwa was appointed as the Chairman, with MM Somaya and Manjusha Kanwar serving as members of the ad-hoc committee.
This decision was made per the Ministry of Sports’ directive, aiming to provide oversight and management of various tasks and activities within the WFI during its suspension. Despite these efforts, Sanjay Singh has expressed his refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the ad-hoc committee.
Sports Ministry suspends WFI:
The Sports Ministry, on December 24, suspended the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body, alleging that it remained under the influence of ex-office bearers, particularly Sanjay Singh.
Sanjay Singh, a close associate of former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was elected as the new president on December 21, raising concerns about continuity from the previous administration.
The suspension followed a prolonged delay in WFI elections, leading to the World Wrestling body (UWW) taking action and suspending the Indian wrestling federation. This move came in response to allegations of misconduct against the former president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and discontent among top wrestlers in the country.
The Sports Ministry, in its statement, highlighted the WFI’s failure to adhere to rules and exercise due diligence in organizing events, further underlining the need for proper governance in the national wrestling body.