Tokyo Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia expressed his frustration on Saturday over the absence of national competitions for Indian wrestlers, just a few months ahead of the Paris Games. The senior wrestler appealed to the Sports Ministry to restart competitions for wrestlers, emphasizing the crucial need for training leading up to the showpiece event next year.
Wrestling events in the country have been brought to a halt due to the controversy surrounding the Wrestling Federation of India and its office-bearers. The WFI faced suspension twice in 2023, with the latest suspension occurring after the election of their new general body in December.
The year 2023 witnessed prolonged protests by the nation’s top wrestlers, including Bajrang, Sakshee Malikkh, and Vinesh Phogat, against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers took to the streets in the capital city, demanding a change in WFI administration, alleging that Brij Bhushan had sexually harassed female wrestlers.
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After significant delays, the WFI elections took place in December, and Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan, was elected as the new president. However, the Sports Ministry suspended the newly-elected body, asserting that the new leadership was “in complete control of ex-office bearers.”
“Wrestling activities have come to a standstill for the last several months. Neither nationals nor training camps have been organized to prepare the players. With the Olympic Games just seven months away, there seems to be a lack of seriousness. Wrestling has delivered four consecutive medals in the last four Olympics,” lamented Bajrang in a social media post.
He further added, “I request the Sports Ministry to initiate all wrestling activities as soon as possible so that the future of the players can be safeguarded.”
Earlier in the month, as a protest against the Sanjay Singh-led WFI body, Bajrang Punia had returned his Padma Shri, claiming it was influenced by Brij Bhushan.
Notably, the Indian Olympics Association formed a three-member ad-hoc panel earlier in the week to oversee the daily operations of the Wrestling Federation of India.
Wrestling has been a productive sport for India at the Olympics, securing a total of 7 medals, including 2 silvers. In the Tokyo Olympics, Bajrang won bronze, while Ravi Kumar Dahiya clinched silver.
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