Wrestling Federation of India reinstated: A new chapter for Indian wrestling

Image used for representational purpose (Source: United World Wrestling)

After a tumultuous 14-month period of legal battles and internal discord, the Union Sports Ministry has finally lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), heralding a fresh start for the national body and paving the way for our wrestlers’ smooth participation in international events.

The decision follows serious concerns raised in December 2023 when the Ministry derecognised the WFI for alleged governance lapses and procedural irregularities. The charges centered on the undue influence of former office-bearers over the newly elected committee, a situation that many argued ran counter to the principles enshrined in the National Sports Code.

This withdrawal of recognition not only affected the federation’s standing with the Ministry but also led to sanctions that disrupted event organisation—even as United World Wrestling (UWW) continued to view the WFI as the sole authority to nominate athletes for global competitions.

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In a bid to restore order and credibility, the Ministry’s fresh order lays down several non-negotiable conditions. First, the WFI is required to reverse any amendments implemented during the suspension period. The aim is to re-establish a balanced distribution of power among its designated office bearers, ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and properly regulated. This corrective process must be completed within four weeks.

Moreover, the Ministry has stressed that any individual not elected as an official, including suspended or terminated salaried personnel, must be entirely disassociated from the federation and its affiliate units. To formalise this, the WFI Executive Committee is mandated to submit an undertaking within the same four-week timeframe. Any deviation from these directives is expected to invite strict legal action, including measures under the Sports Code.

This intervention arrives on the back of a contentious period during which the Delhi High Court had halted the federation’s selection trials, citing the absence of proper government recognition. Although the court had hinted at the possibility of forming an ad-hoc committee under the aegis of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the global backing by UWW for the WFI prevented such a move at that time. The repercussions were evident when Indian wrestlers missed out on two key ranking events, with judicial observations highlighting the jeopardised selection process.

The Ministry’s decisive move is seen as a commitment to transparency, good governance, and athlete welfare—principles that will be critical in re-establishing the federation as a competent and trusted body in Indian sports.