A very big news has come out regarding Indian wrestling. United World Wrestling (UWW) has issued a strong warning to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Actually, United World Wrestling (UWW) is unhappy due to political interference in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
A very big news has come out regarding Indian wrestling. United World Wrestling (UWW) has issued a strong warning to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Actually, United World Wrestling (UWW) is unhappy due to political interference in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic has written a letter to Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh. In this letter, it was warned that political or public interference in the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is a violation of the United World Wrestling (UWW) Constitution and the Olympic Charter.
There is an atmosphere of tension in the Indian wrestling world
United World Wrestling (UWW) president Nenad Lalovic stressed that the independence of national federations is vital for their smooth functioning and representation at international wrestling events and while monitoring of public grants is acceptable, any interference beyond this scope could jeopardise the federation's status.
Ban threat received from UWW
The UWW communication warned that WFI could be suspended if external interference continued. WFI President Singh said on the incident, 'Yes, United World Wrestling (UWW) has threatened to suspend Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) if there is any interference by public and political authorities in the internal affairs of WFI. The letter is enclosed with the IOA, they will present it in court.'
Turmoil within WFI
The warning comes in the wake of significant turmoil within the WFI. The federation was suspended by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports soon after its elections in December 2023, triggering a series of legal and administrative complications. The suspension and subsequent legal battles almost cost Indian wrestlers their participation in the World Championships, with uncertainty looming until the Sports Ministry decided to review the suspension.
This news will worry the wrestlers
The decision was taken following a court directive to clarify its position and reinstate an ad-hoc panel, a move that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had initially opposed. Amid the controversy, the government summoned WFI president Sanjay Singh as the federation's authorised representative for discussions. The government's involvement is aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the UWW and facilitating compliance with international standards while balancing domestic challenges. The UWW's warning has significant implications for Indian wrestling. The WFI's suspension could have serious consequences, including preventing Indian wrestlers from participating in international events under the national flag.
