Delhi, 11 March (H.S.): The central government has reinstated the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and lifted its suspension, effective immediately, as stated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Delhi High Court. Following this announcement, the bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya dismissed a related petition. The government informed the court that the WFI's suspension order from 2023 was revoked as per a directive from the sports ministry dated March 10. Consequently, WFI is recognized again as a National Sports Federation.

The court noted an appeal is being considered regarding a prior decision that directed the restoration of an ad-hoc committee, which the Indian Olympic Association can restructure if desired. The Chief Justice instructed the single bench to expedite the related hearing, affirming any party could challenge the government’s March 10 order in the appropriate forum.

During proceedings, senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the wrestlers, accused the ad-hoc committee of violating sports regulations. The Chief Justice emphasized that the immediate concern is the selection of a team to represent India at the Senior Asian Championship in Jordan. Mehra expressed that the sports ministry has reinstated Sanjay Singh, WFI president and a close associate of BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, to authority. The court allowed the petitioners to withdraw and challenge the ministry's order if they chose.

In prior developments, the court expressed concerns regarding the non-selection of wrestlers for an international event. Previously, an ad-hoc committee was approved to manage WFI operations post its 2023 dissolution by the Ministry of Sports, which was later disbanded by the Indian Olympic Association.

Additionally, allegations of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI secretary Vinod Tomar are pending in court.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar