The Indian government has intervened to allow the national wrestling team to participate in the upcoming World Championships in Tirana, Albania, amid ongoing legal disputes involving the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This decision follows a collective appeal from 12 wrestlers, who gathered outside Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s residence to seek his help after the WFI withdrew India’s entries due to a legal challenge.
Wrestlers’ plea prompts Government Action
The WFI initially pulled out Indian teams from the World Championships after Satyawart Kadian, wrestler and husband of Sakshi Malik, filed a contempt petition against WFI. Kadian argued that the WFI’s decision to hold trials for the senior and U23 World Championships was a violation, as the federation is currently under suspension. With the WFI suspended by the ministry and the Indian Olympic Association declining to reinstate its ad-hoc committee, the federation’s actions have faced legal hurdles.
“A group of wrestlers met me and apprised me of the issue and their concern,” Mandaviya said. “I directed that the court matter will continue in court, but the wrestlers must compete in the World Championships. They should get this opportunity.”
Government Assures Accountability
Following the hour-long meeting with Minister Mandaviya, WFI President Sanjay Singh confirmed the government’s commitment. “The minister assured they would take responsibility if a contempt charge is levelled against the WFI,” Singh noted. He added that travel arrangements had been finalised, and the team would depart as planned.
However, Singh indicated uncertainty regarding WFI’s suspension status, stating that the ministry had expressed intent to review it, which could take several weeks.
Indian wrestlers demand support
The gathering included top wrestlers like Manisha Bhanwala, who highlighted the gravity of the situation. “It takes 10-12 years to reach this stage where you qualify for the World Championships, and now this opportunity is being snatched away from us,” she said. Bhanwala, joined by other national athletes, expressed frustration over the disruptions caused by protesting wrestlers who, in her view, have jeopardised younger wrestlers’ careers.
WFI’s Autonomy Concerns lead to initial withdrawal
The WFI’s decision to withdraw from the championships was initially communicated to the world governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), citing “interference” in its autonomy by the Indian government. The senior World Championships, scheduled from October 28 in Albania, include 12 non-Olympic categories, making this a crucial platform for Indian wrestlers.
As the team prepares for their international campaign, government intervention has provided a reprieve, but the lingering disputes underscore challenges for Indian wrestling, with potential changes to WFI’s status still pending government review.
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