Shrutika Patil, Pune
In a significant blow to India’s wrestling community, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for wrestling, has decided to suspend the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
This decision comes as a consequence of the WFI’s failure to conduct timely elections, rendering Indian wrestlers ineligible to compete at the impending World Championships while representing their national flag.
The UWW’s decision means that Indian wrestlers will be compelled to participate in the Olympic-qualifying World Championships, scheduled to commence on Sept. 16, as ‘neutral athletes’.
This setback follows the failure of the ad-hoc panel, led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa, to fulfil the mandated 45-day timeframe for conducting the WFI elections.
The initiation of the ad-hoc panel by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) occurred on Apr. 27, accompanied by the stipulation that elections were to be held within 45 days.
In response, on Apr. 28, the UWW warned that suspension of the Indian Federation could be a potential consequence if the WFI does not meet the election deadline.
The initial plan for WFI elections was set for May 7. However, complications arose when the Sports Ministry declared the process null and void.
Subsequently, the election procedure was marred by repeated delays, with several state bodies in discord and disassociating with the process. These dissenting entities have sought legal intervention, striving for the right to partake in the electoral proceedings.
The suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India not only casts a shadow over the participation of Indian wrestlers in the World Championships but also raises concerns about the overall status and management of the sport within the country.
The forthcoming Olympic-qualifying World Championships, usually an occasion for athletes to demonstrate their prowess on a global platform, will now be marked by the absence of the Indian flag alongside the names of its talented wrestlers.