Wrestling Federation of India refuses to send Indian team to World Championships: Reports

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Wrestling - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 14 - Source: Getty
India's Aman Sehrawat in action at Paris Olympics 2024

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has reportedly made a firm decision not to send an Indian team to the upcoming World Championships, citing ongoing governmental interference as the key reason.

WFI president Sanjay Singh expressed his frustration over the situation, specifically pointing to the Union Sports Ministry’s decision to de-recognize the national wrestling body in December 2023.

The Wrestling Federation of India had initially planned to hold selection trials in Delhi on October 6 and 7 to determine teams for the Under-23 World Championships and the Elite World Championships.

However, a Delhi High Court ruling prohibited the WFI from conducting these trials, stating that only an ad-hoc committee, appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), had the jurisdiction to manage the selection process. As a result, the WFI canceled the trials altogether.

In response to the court order, Sanjay Singh made it clear that the federation would not field any wrestlers for the championships.

"We will not send any team to the World Championships. The problem is due to the Government’s de-recognition. I will write to the UWW stating that because of Government interference, we are not able to send a team, as doing so will result in contempt of court," he was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Wrestling Federation of India concerned over wrestlers' form

The Wrestling Federation of India president, Sanjay Singh, also voiced concerns about the impact this decision would have on India’s athletes, who have consistently performed well on the international stage.

“It’s not good for our wrestlers, who have been performing so well,” he said (via Sportstar).

The upcoming Under-23 World Championships will take place from October 21 to 27, followed by the elite World Championships in non-Olympic weight categories from October 28 to 31 in Tirana, Albania.

While the future remains uncertain, Singh mentioned the possibility of conducting talent search events on the scheduled trial dates. He hinted at the potential for the Government to revoke its de-recognition of the WFI after the Haryana elections, which could allow selected athletes to participate in the World Championships.

This controversy has fueled an already tense situation following last year’s protests by wrestlers.

The ad-hoc committee originally took charge of the Wrestling Federation of India’s operations after the UWW suspended the federation in August 2023 due to delays in holding elections. Despite the suspension being lifted in February 2024, the UWW continues to threaten further action if government interference persists.

Edited by Pritha Ghosh
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