Sports Ministry suspends newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)

The Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) until further notice. This action comes in the wake of a controversial decision made by the newly-elected body regarding the organization of the U-15 and U-20 national trials.

The ministry criticized the WFI for what it deemed a "hasty announcement," asserting that there was insufficient notice given to wrestlers for adequate preparation, reported PTI.

However, the ministry clarified that the sports body has not been terminated.


The elections for the WFI were conducted on December 21, resulting in the victory of Sanjay Singh and his panel, loyalists of former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, by significant margins. Despite the change in leadership, the ministry clarified that the suspension does not equate to termination but serves as a temporary measure until due processes and rules are adhered to.

"The new body has not followed the WFI constitution. We have not terminated the Federation but suspended it until further orders. They just need to follow the due process and the rules," reported news agency PTI, citing a sports ministry official.

The suspension is rooted in the controversial announcement made by Sanjay Kumar Singh, the newly-elected president of WFI, on the very day of his election (21.12.2023). Singh declared that the U-15 and U-20 nationals for Wrestling would take place in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the year's end. The ministry decried this announcement as hasty, pointing out the lack of sufficient notice to participating wrestlers and the failure to adhere to the constitutional provisions of WFI.

As per the PTI report, the ministry source elaborated, stating, "As per clause 3 (e) of the preamble of the constitution of WFI, the object of the WFI, among others, is to arrange holding of Senior, Junior, and Sub-Junior National Championships as per UWW Rules at places selected by the Executive Committee."

(With inputs from PTI)