India Lifts Ban on Wrestling Federation: A New Chapter Begins

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports reinstated the Wrestling Federation of India's status, following the resolution of leadership conflicts and successful conduct of selection trials. This marks a new chapter for the federation, previously marred by allegations and protests against its former leadership.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) regained its status as a National Sports Federation after being reinstated by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. WFI had been suspended following internal controversies and protests led by top wrestlers against former president Brij Bhushan Singh, citing allegations of sexual misconduct.

The contentious period saw ace wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia spearheading demonstrations against the federation, effectively leading to a ban by United World Wrestling (UWW) due to its failure to conduct timely elections. An interim committee was established by the International Olympic Association to manage WFI operations during this turmoil.

With Sanjay Singh elected as the new president in late 2023, despite opposition labeling him as a close associate of the former president, the federation was once again suspended. However, successful organization of selection trials and a subsequent lifting of the UWW ban paved the way for the Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc committee to be dissolved, heralding a fresh start for WFI.