The newly-elected executive committee of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is facing suspension by the sports ministry due to multiple procedural violations. The decision comes shortly after the new committee, led by Sanjay Kumar Singh, emerged victorious in the polls. Sanjay Kumar Singh, an aide to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former WFI chief, announced the under-15 and under-20 Nationals in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on the day he assumed the presidency, prompting the sports ministry to deem the move hasty and in violation of WFI’s constitution.
The sports ministry highlighted that the announcement of the Nationals lacked proper notice to prospective participants, contravening the WFI’s constitution. The ministry expressed concern about the decision being made without following established procedures and providing adequate notice to wrestlers.
According to the ministry’s statement, the decision-making process for events like the Nationals should involve the Executive Committee, with agendas placed for consideration. The ministry cited specific clauses in the WFI constitution, emphasizing the need for adherence to proper procedures and timely notifications.
Moreover, the ministry pointed out that the WFI executive committee had not included the joint secretary, Prem Chand Lochab, who represents the protesting wrestlers’ camp. Lochab was not invited to the committee’s first meeting, raising concerns about the lack of due process.
The absence of the secretary general from the decision-making process was also highlighted by the sports ministry, emphasizing the importance of involving the Secretary General in key federation matters.
In addition, the ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the WFI’s continued functioning from the old office, where alleged incidents of sexual harassment had occurred. The ministry noted that the decisions made by the newly elected executive body demonstrated a disregard for legal and procedural norms, violating both the WFI’s constitutional provisions and the National Sports Development Code.
The sports ministry concluded that the actions of the new executive body were arbitrary, lacking transparency and due process. Adherence to governance norms was emphasized for ensuring fair play, transparency, and accountability, crucial for building trust among athletes, stakeholders, and the public.
