After suspending the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form a temporary panel to run the federation. The ministry had earlier suspended the WFI, citing that the newly elected body made a hasty announcement with regards to organizing the U-15 and U-20 nationals, ‘without following due procedure and not giving sufficient notice to wrestlers’ for preparations.’
According to a report by NDTV, the Sports Ministry wrote to the IOA, saying that the temporary committee can manage and control the affairs of the WFI including a selection of athletes
“… Taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI,” said the letter, as quoted by NDTV, which was signed by Tarun Pareek, undersecretary to the Centre.
“This requires for immediate and stringent corrective measures to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organisations, and thus, now it becomes incumbent on the part of the IOA to make suitable arrangements for the interim period for managing the affairs of WFI so that sportspersons of wrestling discipline do not suffer in any manner and the principle of good governance is the sports body do not get jeopardised,” the letter further read.
The report further stated that the temporary panel formed by the IOA will look after the day-to-day affairs of the WFI, including making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events and holding sporting events.
Yesterday, the Olympic bronze medallist, Sakshi Malik raised her concern via a post on her handle on X, regarding the upcoming nationals being held in Nandini Nagar, Gonda. She even went on to question the environment the young wrestlers would be competing and mentioned in her post that the area belongs to the former WFI President Brij Bhushan Singh.