NEW DELHI: The
Sports Ministry
issued a stern warning of legal consequences against suspended
Wrestling Federation of India
(WFI) president
Sanjay Singh
. The ministry deemed Sanjay's recent claims, specifically regarding government recognition of
WFI
, as "absolutely baseless and mischievous."
Emphasising the suspension of WFI for violating its own constitution, the ministry reiterated that any tournament organised by the body would be considered "unsanctioned."
Sanjay had previously announced the Senior National Championship in Pune, scheduled for January 29-31, claiming the participation of around 700 wrestlers, a statement that prompted the ministry's strong response.
"...Certain claims are being made by you pertaining to the recognition of the currently under-suspension Executive Committee of the WFI and about the competitions being held by you at Pune are being made, which are again absolutely baseless and mischievous," the ministry said in the letter addressed to Sanjay.
"The Ministry has already vide its letter dated 7.1.2024, addressed to you and copies of which were endorsed to affiliate units of WFI and State Governments/Union Territories, made this entire issue categorically clear.
"It is once again informed that any championships or competitions organized by the suspended Executive Committee members of WFI, will be treated as unsanctioned and unrecognised competitions," the ministry added in the letter.
The WFI faced suspension by the Sports Ministry on December 24, merely three days after conducting its election, due to a violation of its own constitution.
This breach occurred when WFI announced the hosting of the 2023 age group nationals in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, in the last week of December. The ministry emphasised its non-recognition of Nationals organized by WFI.
In response to the suspension, the
Indian Olympic Association
(IOA) established an ad-hoc committee to oversee the day-to-day operations of WFI, following the directive from the ministry. This move aims to address and manage the ongoing issues within the wrestling federation.
"In light of the above, you are hereby strongly advised to desist from making any further unsubstantiated claims regarding the status of the Wrestling Federation of India.
"Please be advised that failure to adhere to this caution may compel the Ministry to consider further legal action, including but not limited to legal proceedings for spreading misinformation and unsubstantiated claims and any other relevant charges as per the laws of the country," the ministry said.
The ministry letter further stated that Sanjay Singh's remarks are "causing confusion and anxiety among the athletes and others concerned with wrestling".
The ad-hoc body, led by
Bhupendra Singh Bajwa
, had announced a separate senior national championships to be held in Jaipur from February 2-5.
The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI after its newly elected body made a "hasty announcement" of organising the U-15 and U-20 nationals "without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers" to prepare.
The WFI elections were held on December 21 with Sanjay Singh, a loyalist of former president
Brij Bhushan
, and his panel winning the polls by big margins.
Brij Bhushan was accused of sexual harassment by star wrestlers Bajrang Punia,
Vinesh Phogat
and
Sakshi Malik
.
The move to suspend the WFI came after Sakshi announced her retirement from wrestling at a press briefing.
Later, protesting the election of Sanjay Singh as the new WFI chief, Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri.
(With PTI inputs)
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