In a remarkable turn of events, the Sports Ministry decided to suspend the newly elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) council chaired by Sanjay Singh, citing a series of alleged infractions and hurried announcements. In an official statement issued on Sunday, December 24, the ministry accused the WFI body of disregarding established norms and regulations. With about a year going around, the WFI Elections saga seems to be anything but done.
A timeline of the WFI polls saga
January: Unveiling Allegations and Initiating Protest
In January, Indian wrestlers including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, protested at Jantar Mantar, accusing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan of sexual exploitation. They demanded his resignation and the dissolution of the wrestling federation. Babita Phogat joined the protest on January 19, amplifying their collective voice. A formal complaint to IOA president PT Usha on January 20 triggered a rapid response.
February: Legal Interventions and Oversight Committee Formation
In February, the sports ministry directed WFI to suspend activities. Simultaneously, an Oversight Committee, led by Mary Kom, was formed on January 23 to investigate the allegations within four weeks. Wrestlers expressed disappointment in June over the lack of consultation in committee member selection.
April: Legal Proceedings and SC Involvement
Legal battles continued into April, with wrestlers moving the Supreme Court, leading to FIRs and security measures. The SC closed proceedings in May, noting adequate security for complainants.
May: NARCO Test Challenge and Police Records
In May, the police in Delhi recorded the accounts of wrestlers who had filed harassment allegations against Singh. At the same time, wrestlers challenged WFI chief Brij Bhushan to undergo a NARCO test. Police recorded his statement on May 11, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings.
On May 28 Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sangeeta Phogat, along with other protesters, were detained by Delhi police as they attempted to march towards the new Parliament building inaugurated by PM Modi. Though they were released later that day, FIRs were lodged against them under multiple IPC sections. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW) condemned the police’s actions.
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Sports Ministry suspends Sanjay Singh-led Wrestling Federation of India over alleged violations
June: Assurances, Protests Halted, and Legal Appointments
Protests temporarily halted in June after assurances from the sports minister. Mahesh Mittal Kumar was appointed as a returning officer, indicating a potential shift in addressing internal issues.
July: Legal Delays and UWW Suspension
The WFI elections initially scheduled for July 6 underwent rescheduling decisions in the subsequent weeks. Following a hearing where disaffiliated state wrestling units presented their cases, the IOA’s ad-hoc committee moved the election date to July 11.
However, this decision faced a setback as the Gauhati High Court intervened, issuing a stay on the elections scheduled for July 11. Amid legal developments, a Delhi Court granted interim bail to Brij Bhushan Singh on July 18. The ongoing challenges prompted another rescheduling, pushing the WFI election date to August 12.
August: Continued Legal Challenges and Suspension Impact
In August, obstacles intensified for the scheduled WFI elections. Legal challenges, notably from the Haryana Wrestling Association, led to a stay granted by the Punjab and Haryana High Courts on the August 12 elections. Simultaneously, the international governing body, UWW, took decisive action, suspending WFI due to the failure to conduct timely elections.
December: Elections and Leadership Change
December marked a turning point with the WFI elections on the 21st. Sanjay Singh, a Brij Bhushan loyalist, emerged as the new WFI chief. While Bajrang Punia renounced his Padmashri, Sakshi Malik retired from the post. However, things took a major turn when the Sports Ministry decided to suspend WFI citing hasty unplanned decisions as a major reason.
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