The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has moved swiftly to address the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by forming a three-member ad hoc committee to oversee its operations. The sports ministry suspended WFI for breaching its own constitution, leading to concerns about governance and arbitrary decision-making within the national wrestling body.
Ad Hoc Committee Members
Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, the president of the Wushu Association of India, will lead the ad hoc committee, accompanied by hockey Olympian M M Somaya and former international shuttler Manjusha Kanwar as members. The sports ministry’s action came three days after WFI elected new office bearers, including Sanjay Singh as president, a close ally of Brij Bhushan Singh. The ministry criticized the arbitrary decisions made by WFI officials, highlighting a governance gap and a departure from established norms.
IOA President PT Usha emphasized the importance of adherence to governance norms for ensuring fair play, transparency, and accountability. The decision to form an ad hoc committee aims to safeguard the interests of athletes and ensure continuity.
The ad hoc committee’s responsibilities include overseeing athlete selection, submitting entries for international events, organizing sports activities, managing bank accounts, handling the website, and other related tasks within WFI. Bhupinder Singh Bajwa expressed the committee’s commitment to preparing for the Olympics, outlining plans for senior and junior championships along with training camps to maximize India’s chances of winning medals in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Immediate Focus on Olympic Preparation
Recognizing the significance of the Olympic year, the committee intends to start preparations promptly to boost India’s medal prospects. Bajwa emphasized the popularity of wrestling in India and its potential for success on the international stage. Sanjay Singh’s announcement of age group national championships immediately after his election raised concerns about due process and notice. The government cited this “hasty announcement” as a reason for suspension, questioning the new WFI body’s conformity with the National Sports Code.
The suspension led to notable reactions within the wrestling community, with Sakshi Malik announcing her retirement, and Bajrang Punia returning his Padma Shri. Vinesh Phogat followed suit by returning her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award, culminating in a protest by wrestlers accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual exploitation.
