Sports Ministry Declares Events by Suspended Wrestling Federation of India Unsanctioned

The Sports Ministry has asserted that any events organized by the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) will be considered 'unsanctioned' and 'unrecognized.' Following multiple rule violations, the Sports Ministry had suspended the WFI and appointed an ad-hoc panel to oversee its operations.

In a strongly-worded letter to WFI chief Sanjay Singh, the Ministry stated, "Certificates of participation and medals won in championships conducted by the WFI will be of no consequence and will not be considered for eligibility under any scheme of the government." The Ministry emphasized that only national championships organized by the IOA-appointed Ad hoc Committee for Wrestling would be recognized, and benefits would accrue to participants in those events.

This move comes amid a power struggle and disputes within Indian wrestling, leading to the suspension of the WFI. Wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, have been vocal in their opposition to the WFI leadership. The ad-hoc panel had announced plans to host the senior national championships in Jaipur from February 2-5, further complicating the wrestling landscape in India.