The Sports Ministry issued a stern warning to the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Sanjay Singh, criticizing him for making “baseless and mischievous” claims. The ministry expressed strong disapproval after the WFI proceeded with the organization of the senior National championships in Pune, defying government orders.
The event was declared unsanctioned and unrecognized due to the WFI’s suspension on December 24 for violating its own constitution and the national sports code. In response to Singh’s statements asserting the participation of around 700 wrestlers in the Nationals from January 29-31, the ministry reiterated the suspension’s legitimacy.
…Certain claims are being made by you pertaining to the recognition of the currently under-suspension executive committee of the WFI and about the competitions being held by you in Pune are being made, which are again absolutely baseless and mischievous. It is once again informed that any championships or competitions organised by the suspended EC members of WFI will be treated as unsanctioned and unrecognised competitions and that only the IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee would be authorised to conduct the national wrestling championships,” the ministry said.
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The ministry emphasized that competitions organized by the suspended WFI executive committee would be treated as unauthorized, and only the ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had the authority to conduct the national wrestling championships.
The ministry’s strongly worded letter cautioned Singh against making further unsubstantiated claims regarding WFI’s status, threatening potential legal consequences for spreading misinformation. The ministry asserted that failure to comply with the caution might prompt additional legal actions, including proceedings for spreading false information and other relevant charges in accordance with the country’s laws.
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