World Wrestling Body warns Wrestling Federation of India suspension over interference

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) faces fresh turmoil as the United World Wrestling (UWW) has threatened suspension if public or political authorities interfere in its affairs.

This warning comes amid ongoing legal battles and administrative chaos within Indian wrestling.

UWW President Nenad Lalovic reaffirmed that the global body only recognizes the WFI under President Sanjay Singh. “Mr. Singh is the sole interlocutor for all matters regarding Indian wrestling on the international stage,” Lalovic stated in a letter on Thursday.

He emphasized that UWW will not tolerate interference, citing Article 6.3 of its constitution and the Olympic Charter, which mandate autonomy for national federations. Lalovic warned, “Suspension measures will be considered if WFI’s autonomy is not fully upheld in the long term.”

This warning echoes a similar situation from last year when the Sports Ministry's interference nearly prevented the Indian wrestling team from participating in the World Championships. A last-minute resolution involving Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had salvaged the situation then.

Currently, the Indian wrestling team is awaiting government clearance to participate in the Zagreb Ranking Series, set to begin on February 5. This tournament is crucial as it carries ranking points for the World Championships later this year. With days left, wrestlers are anxiously awaiting confirmation.

The backdrop of this latest UWW ultimatum includes the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to reinstate the ad hoc committee overseeing WFI operations. The Indian Olympic Association, however, has refused to reinstate the committee, while the Sports Ministry has yet to formally recognize the WFI under Singh’s leadership.

Legal and administrative challenges have hampered the WFI’s ability to conduct trials and finalize national teams, leading to further uncertainty in Indian wrestling.

As the crisis deepens, the threat of suspension looms over WFI, potentially jeopardizing Indian wrestlers’ participation in upcoming international competitions.