Explainer: What’s behind WFI vs wrestlers rift and their exclusion from World Championships?

The ongoing friction between the Indian government and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has intensified in recent months. The latest controversy surfaced when the WFI announced its decision not to send wrestlers to the World Championships in Albania, citing ‘government interference.’ However, the Union Sports Minister later granted permission for the wrestlers’ participation in the forthcoming championships.

Earlier this week, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) made an influential decision to withdraw the Indian team from the upcoming World Championships in Tirana, Albania. This move is a consequence of the continuing conflict between elite Indian wrestlers, the government, and the WFI, which has been further complicated by allegations of sexual harassment against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Reasons behind the withdrawal from World Championships

On October 24, the WFI informed the United World Wrestling (UWW) about its decision to pull out of the event, attributing it to governmental interference in its operations. According to a WFI report to PTI, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has been encroaching on the federation’s freedom. A WFI source stated, “This is all happening because of the ministry’s suspension. There are no grounds to maintain the suspension. If the ministry lifts the suspension, all these issues won’t arise.”

Legal challenges complicating matters

The situation for the Indian wrestling community has become increasingly precarious due to ongoing legal battles. Following the suspension of the WFI by the sports ministry on December 24, 2023, prominent wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik, sought legal intervention against the federation’s actions. The court acknowledged their petition and recommended that the ad-hoc committee manage WFI’s affairs until the suspension is lifted.

The Influence of Legal Proceedings

The legal disputes have further complicated the WFI’s decision-making process. Protesting wrestlers argue that the suspended federation lacks the authority to conduct selection trials, a sentiment echoed by the court. WFI President Sanjay Singh noted in his communication to United World Wrestling (UWW), “Unfortunately, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) continues to interfere in the autonomy of the WFI.”

Future prospects for Indian wrestling

The WFI was suspended by the ministry on December 24 last year soon after the polls were conducted to elect the new office-bearers.

In light of these developments, the WFI has urged UWW to invoke Article 6.3 of its regulations, which emphasises the independence of national federations from governmental interference. The Indian wrestling community now faces a challenging path as it navigates this tough situation, hoping for a return to unity and clarity. As the wrestling community is still waiting for a final resolution, there is hope that the focus will shift back to the sport and its athletes.

Chak De India Wrestling