Mixed Reactions to WFI Suspension: Relief and Frustration Among Top Athletes

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the newly elected management of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), earning mixed reactions from top athletes. While welcoming the decision, athletes expressed that the intervention should have occurred sooner.

The WFI, under the leadership of Sanjay Singh, a known supporter of sexual harassment accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, faced criticism for hastily announcing the organization of Under-15 and Under-20 nationals without adequate notice, a violation of the WFI’s constitution.

Olympian and wrestler Geeta Phogat shared her optimism on social media, stating, “Even though it is late, there is a ray of hope that wrestlers will get justice.” Meanwhile, Vijender Singh, the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal and a vocal supporter of the wrestlers’ cause, stated that the Center should have taken decisive action earlier.

खेल मंत्रालय ने भारतीय कुश्ती संघ को निलंबित किया
भले ही देर से पर एक उम्मीद की किरण ज़रूर जागी है की पहलवानों को इंसाफ़ मिलेगा !!!!

— geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) December 24, 2023

भाई छोरी की कुश्ती छुड़वा दी छोरे के पद्म श्री ले लिया अब बोले की फेडरेशन रद्द करदी 🙄 यो काम पहले ही कर देते

— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) December 24, 2023

The controversy led two top wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Virender Singh, to express their intention to return the Padma Shri in protest against what they deemed a misuse of power by Brij Bhushan. Wrestler Sakshee Mallikh went a step further by announcing her resignation from the sport in protest against the election of a Brij Bhushan loyalist.

Earlier this year, wrestlers staged a massive protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding action against Brij Bhushan, further highlighting the long-standing issues within the wrestling community.