Wrestling Federation Of India Office Moved Out Of Brij Bhushan’s Residence

New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has relocated its office from the residence of former president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in response to objections raised by the Sports Ministry. Following the ministry’s suspension of the newly-elected WFI panel under President Sanjay Singh on December 24, the organization has shifted its operations to a new address in the Hari Nagar area of New Delhi.

The sports ministry cited the WFI’s functioning from Brij Bhushan’s residence as a reason for the stringent action, emphasizing concerns about alleged sexual harassment of players in those premises, currently under investigation by the court. The ministry further noted that the new WFI body was operating under the “complete control of former office-bearers,” a deviation from the National Sports Code.

Notably, prominent wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat, have accused Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment. The case is presently before the Delhi High Court.

In the aftermath of Sanjay Singh’s election as WFI chief on December 21, Sakshi announced her retirement from wrestling, Bajrang returned his Padma Shri, and Vinesh decided to relinquish her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award. Their actions were motivated by a desire to distance themselves from any close association with the BJP MP in the federation’s leadership.

In response to the situation, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a three-member ad-hoc committee chaired by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, the chief of the Wushu Association of India, to oversee WFI affairs.