WFI Gets Green Light, Sports Ministry Restores Wrestling Federation’s Operations

The Sports Ministry has lifted the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), effective Tuesday. This allows the WFI to organize local competitions and select national teams for international events. 

Earlier The ministry had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, because the WFI hastily announced the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships.

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The Sanjay Singh-led panel won the WFI elections on December 21, 2023. However, the government was displeased with the decision to hold the National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda, a stronghold of former WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. The ministry stated that the suspension was lifted because the WFI has taken corrective measures.

The Ministry has released operational guidelines for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to improve management and transparency.

The WFI must take the following actions within four weeks:

1.  Undo changes made to the WFI's structure during its suspension and create a system where power is shared among officials, with clear controls on decision-making.

2.  Ensure that individuals who were not elected, or who were suspended or fired employees, are completely removed from the WFI and its associated organizations. The WFI's Executive Committee (EC) must promise to enforce this, or face legal action under the Sports Code.

3.  Guarantee that selections for international competitions are free, fair, and transparent, following the Sports Code, related instructions, and regulations from United World Wrestling (UWW).

In addition, the WFI must follow the Sports Code, maintain good governance, and prioritize the well-being of athletes.