WFI Row: Defiant Sanjay Singh Vows To Organise Nationals Despite Suspension, Rejects Ad-Hoc Panel

New Delhi: Sanjay Singh, the President of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Monday announced plans to organize the national championships despite the suspension imposed by the Sports Ministry. The suspension, citing rule violations, was implemented just three days after the WFI held its elections on December 24.

Responding to the government’s intervention, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formed a three-member ad-hoc panel, led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, to oversee the daily operations of the WFI. The panel, which includes former hockey player M M Somaya and ex-shuttler Manjusha Kanwar, has declared its intention to host the senior national championships in Jaipur from February 2-5.

However, Sanjay Singh remains defiant, asserting that they do not recognize the suspension or the ad-hoc panel. He emphasized the democratic election process and questioned the validity of ignoring the Returning Officer’s approval. Sanjay insisted on proceeding with the organization of the Nationals independently, stating, “The WFI is working smoothly, we are on the job.”

Despite the impending crisis, Sanjay expressed confidence in the WFI’s ability to conduct the National Championship, casting doubt on the ad-hoc panel’s capacity to organize the event without the cooperation of state associations. He conveyed the federation’s stance, saying, “Our federation does not recognize this suspension.”

The power struggle within Indian wrestling has escalated over the past year, marked by protests from prominent athletes. Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat returned their awards in protest against Sanjay’s presidency, while Sakshi Malik retired from wrestling on the day of his election.