United World Wrestling Lifts Suspension On Wrestling Federation Of India
The United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling has lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with immediate effect. The UWW in a statement today (Tuesday) announced its decision to lift the suspension imposed provisionally on the WFI in August 24, 2023. “The UWW Bureau met on February 9 to review the suspension among other topics and considering all the elements and information, it decided to lift the suspension under the following conditions,” the statement said, noting some conditions.
As per the conditions, the WFI is required to re-convene the election of its Athletes’ Commission while the candidates for this commission shall be active athletes or retired athletes no longer than four years. It further asked WFI to hold an election before July 1, 2024, with voters exclusively athletes.
The UWW also asked WFI to immediately provide written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events, especially the trials for the Olympic Games and any other major national and international events.
The UWW further highlighted the case of the wrestler’s protest against the former WFI president and BJP leader Brij Bhushan, asking to include the three athletes who protested against the alleged sexual assault of the former president.
The Chamber had last year imposed the provisional suspension on the Indian wrestling body, noting the absence of a regularly elected president and the non-compliance with the UWW regulations and the conditions for membership.
However, Brij Bhushan Singh”s close aide and his business partner, Sanjay Singh succeeded the former president as the head of the WFI in December last year.
#BreakingNews: United World Wrestling has lifted the suspension of Wrestling Federation of Indiahttps://t.co/3hA5QRlKvr
— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) February 13, 2024
