Sharad Pawar welcomes WFI suspension

NCP chief Sharad Pawar expressed both satisfaction and reservations about the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Monday, emphasizing the necessity for timelier action by the Sports Ministry. The suspension, which came three days after the WFI elected new office bearers, was due to non-compliance with constitutional provisions. The ministry directed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an ad-hoc panel to oversee the sports body.

Pawar remarked, “The decision (to suspend the WFI) should have been taken earlier. There was a complaint about objectionable conduct towards women wrestlers.” He emphasized the importance of prompt action against such issues, stating, “A decision should have been taken against such elements long back. Although it is delayed, I welcome the decision.” The government cited the WFI’s “hasty announcement” of organizing the U-15 and U-20 nationals without due procedure and inadequate notice to wrestlers for preparation as grounds for suspension.

Sanjay Singh, newly elected as WFI president on December 21, swiftly announced age group national championships scheduled for December 28 in Gonda, UP. This move was a key factor in the government’s decision to suspend the federation. The suspension followed serious accusations by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat, who alleged sexual exploitation by BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh during his tenure as WFI president. After Sanjay Singh, a loyalist of Brij Bhushan, assumed the presidency, Malik announced her retirement, and Punia returned his Padma Shri medallion to the government. Despite the delayed response, Sharad Pawar welcomed the suspension but highlighted the need for swifter actions to address the issues within the WFI.