The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is set to resume its active participation in global wrestling competitions as the United World Wrestling (UWW) officially lifted its suspension.
The decision was made during a UWW bureau meeting held recently. WFI was provisionally suspended in August 2023 due to delayed elections.
However, the UWW has imposed conditions, directing the WFI to ensure no discriminatory action is taken against protesting wrestlers and to conduct Athletes’ Commission elections by July 1, 2024.
The suspension stemmed from allegations against the then WFI chief, Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh, by prominent Indian wrestlers, including Olympians Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik in January 2023. An ad-hoc committee took over WFI’s operations, but the failure to conduct timely elections led to the UWW’s intervention.
In an official statement by UWW last year, the organization expressed concern over the situation in India, condemning the treatment and detention of protesting wrestlers. The global governing body also urged a thorough investigation into the allegations and pledged ongoing support for a fair resolution.
Indian wrestlers can now participate in UWW events under the national flag following the lifting of the suspension.
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