August 11, 2023
Introduction
The much-anticipated election of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), scheduled to take place tomorrow, has been put on hold by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court’s decision comes in the wake of a series of controversies and allegations surrounding the former WFI chief and six-time BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
July 6 was initial date of the election. WFI Elections postponed by High Court to July 11. The WFI election had already seen a postponement, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) rescheduling it to the current date. However, the legal intervention has further delayed the electoral process, casting a shadow over the federation’s leadership transition.
Mr. Singh, who is accused of orchestrating control over the federation through proxies, faced a setback. 18 of his supporters filed nominations on July 31. This move raised concerns over the transparency and fairness of the election process.
Moreover, several prominent wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshee Malikkh, and Asian Games gold medallist Vinesh Phogat. They have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Singh.
Results of Protest on Janta Mantar
In protest against these allegations, the athletes staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, drawing national attention to the controversy.
One of the primary reasons for Mr. Singh’s ineligibility to contest the election lies in his completion of 12 years as the head of the federation. A duration that exceeds the maximum period allowed under the National Sports Code. Despite his claims that no family member would participate in the election. He emphasized the support of approximately 25 state associations for his group.
In a significant development, Mr. Singh had regular bail granted to him by a Delhi court on July 20 in connection with the sexual harassment case. This decision added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy and heightened the anticipation surrounding the election.
Conclusion
The court’s decision to put the WFI election on hold underscores the need to address the allegations and concerns raised by athletes and stakeholders alike.
The Indian sporting community watches closely. The fate of the federation’s leadership remains uncertain. This is raising important questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of wrestling in the country.
