The incumbent president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Sanjay Singh welcomed the transfer made by the United World Wrestling (UWW) to elevate its suspension on India and added that the ad-hoc committee, managing the work of WFI “holds no significance now”.
“I welcome this decision by UWW. Ad-hoc committee holds no significance now,” Sanjay Singh advised PTI.
Singh was planning to discover the authorized route amid his battle with the ad-hoc committee however UWW’s choice to elevate WFI’s suspension has modified its thoughts.
“We have been officially recognized, and my suspension has ended. Therefore, seeking legal advice holds no significance for us,” added Singh.
Notably, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed a three-member ad-hoc committee on December 27 to handle the work of WFI after the Sports Ministry of India had suspended the wrestling organisation for not abiding by its structure.
Wushu Association of India president Bhupinder Singh Bajwa is heading the ad-hoc committee and is working alongside former badminton participant Manjusha Kanwar and ex-hockey star and Olympian M.M. Somaya.
Notably, the United World Wrestling has urged the WFI to offer written paperwork confirming that no discriminatory motion can be taken towards Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia. The trio protested towards former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and demanded his ouster for his alleged involvement within the sexual harassment of a number of feminine wrestlers.
Sanjay, who is taken into account a loyalist of Brij Bhushan, has assured that he’s “committed to ensuring that no child’s (Wrestler’s) future is jeopardized”.
“I am committed to ensuring that no child’s future is jeopardized. Since day one, I have advocated protection of the future of every wrestler. I will extend invitations to them for the upcoming trials organised by us,” Singh stated.
With the Paris Olympics slated to be organised in July, Sanjay assured that the WFI will quickly “convene a meeting to determine the date and other details for the trials” and inspired wrestlers to arrange and take part within the trials.
“We will convene a gathering to find out the date and different particulars for the trials. We will ship a letter to the Sports Ministry relating to this and the ministry will make the ultimate choice.
“Currently, my entire focus is on sports and the athletes. As it’s an Olympic year, our primary goal is to progress in sports and support our athletes. Everyone is encouraged to participate and prepare for the upcoming trials,” Sanjay concluded.
