Despite ongoing struggles for government recognition, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), led by Sanjay Singh, an aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has announced that the Senior National Championships will take place in Bengaluru from December 6 to 8. The tournament will feature 18 weight categories, covering six categories each in men’s freestyle, women’s freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Significance of National Championship
The announcement of the Nationals holds particular importance, given recent disruptions in the federation’s activities. Earlier in October, the WFI had to cancel selection trials for the World Under-23 and Senior World Championships.
This decision followed a Delhi High Court order stating that the WFI no longer had the authority to hold trials. According to the ruling, only an ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) could conduct these trials.
Challenges ahead for WFI
One of the key concerns now is how the WFI plans to navigate the organisation of the Nationals without the formal backing of the sports ministry or the IOA. The IOA and ministry have both withheld recognition of the Singh-led WFI panel.
This raises questions about how the federation will manage logistical aspects like training camps, sponsorships, and financial arrangements. It remains to be seen if the WFI can move forward without official support.
Court orders and WFI stand
The WFI’s decision to proceed with the Nationals comes after the IOA informed the court that it would not reconstitute the ad-hoc committee. This committee, initially set up to oversee the WFI’s day-to-day operations following the suspension of the wrestling body by the sports ministry in December, was dissolved in March. However, a court ruling in August ordered the restoration of the ad-hoc panel to manage the federation.
Just a month ago, the court requested the IOA to provide an update on the steps taken to reinstate the ad-hoc committee. In response, the IOA chose not to proceed with reconstituting the body, especially after the United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body, warned of potential sanctions on WFI due to government interference. The UWW has made it clear that it only recognises the WFI panel led by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Looking Ahead: WFI Future and Recognition
Faced with these developments, the WFI has gone ahead and announced the Bengaluru Nationals, while also urging the sports ministry to reinstate its full recognition. The coming weeks will determine whether the ministry will respond to this request and how the wrestling federation will handle its operations amid this administrative standoff.
The successful organisation of the Nationals will be a crucial test for WFI, as it seeks to prove its capability to operate independently and push for the restoration of its official standing.
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