The United World Wrestling (UWW) has moved the Asian wrestling championships from New Delhi to Kazakhstan capital Astana as a result of ongoing enquiry over numerous allegations, together with sexual misconduct, levelled towards the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by a gaggle of elite wrestlers.
The event, initially scheduled to be held from March 28 to April 2 on the I.G. Stadium Complex in New Delhi, will now happen between April 7 and 15 with closing dates to be confirmed, stated the UWW in a press release on Thursday.
Astana hosted the 2019 World Championships and Kazakhstan was the host of the Asian championships in 2021. Almaty additionally hosted the third Ranking Series event final 12 months.
“The UWW was forced to change the host of the continental championships due to the recent developments in Indian wrestling and a pending inquiry by the Indian Sports Ministry against the WFI.”
The M.C. Mary Kom-chaired Oversight Committee, which was fashioned by the Union Sports Ministry to probe the allegations towards the WFI and take care of the day-to-day administration of the federation, had reportedly requested the UWW to postpone the event.
Meanwhile, the protesting wrestlers – together with Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya – have stayed away from collaborating in any event.
