WFI Elections Postponed; IOA Directed to Conduct Elections Within 45 Days

New Delhi: The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, which were scheduled to take place on May 7, were deemed “null and void” by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Monday.

The Ministry further directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad hoc committee that will be in charge of holding fresh elections for the WFI within 45 days of the committee’s formation.

Protests by Indian wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh triggered the call by the Sports Ministry took this action.

The Indian Olympic Association has been requested to constitute a transitory committee or Ad hoc Committee to conduct elections and manage affairs.
The election process initiated by the Wrestling Federation of India has been declared null and void by the Ministry. pic.twitter.com/BYSqzAbBTQ

— Dept of Sports MYAS (@IndiaSports) April 24, 2023

Earlier, Bajrang Punia stated that all parties and individuals are welcome to participate in the protest. “We compete and win for the nation, not for any one party. Everyone congratulates us on winning, not just one party. Therefore, this time, we invite all groups and citizens to participate in our protest, Punia said.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik among others are calling for Brij Bhushan Singh’s resignation and an investigation into his conduct.