Brij Bhushan Singh’s Ally Sanjay Singh Elected New WFI Chief

New Delhi: Sanjay Singh, a close confidante of the outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, defeated Anita Sheoran in the Wrestling Federation of India elections to be the president, ending months of turmoil and paving the way for the sport’s international suspension to be lifted.

After repeated postponements, the WFI elections finally took place on December 21st in New Delhi, with 15 key positions being contested. Singh, representing the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Federation, secured the president’s seat with 40 votes, outpacing Sheoran’s 7.

This outcome opens the door for the United World Wrestling to reinstate India, currently competing as neutrals due to the WFI’s suspension for failing to hold elections.

The presidential race revolved around two contrasting visions. Sheoran, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist backed by star wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, aimed to be the first female WFI president and address longstanding concerns about harassment and athlete safety. Singh, on the other hand, promised to restore wrestling’s glory days, though his ties to the previous administration raised reservations among some athletes.

The elections stem from protests that erupted in January 2023, with wrestlers accusing the WFI leadership of sexual misconduct and demanding free and fair elections. While Singh’s victory might not sit well with all, it marks a significant step towards resolving the crisis and building a more secure future for Indian wrestling.