The Sports Ministry said that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), currently under suspension lacks the authority to conduct the Senior National Championships and any event organized by the body will be deemed 'unsanctioned' and 'unrecognized'.

Following the WFI polls, the Sports Ministry suspended the body citing multiple rule violations. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) then formed a three-member ad-hoc panel to oversee the daily operations of the federation.

Despite suspension, WFI chief Sanjay Singh said that the federation is planning to host the national championships soon. Sanjay Singh also stated that the WFI neither recognise the suspension of the newly-elected body nor the ad-hoc panel.

"It has come to the notice of the Ministry that you have issued a Circular bearing No. WFI/Senior National/Maharashtra/2024 dated 06.01.2024 on the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India regarding conduct of Senior National Wrestling Championship 2023 at Pune (Maharashtra) from 29–31 January 2024," Ministry said in a letter.

"As per this Ministry's order dated 24.12.2023, you have no authority to issue such a Circular or to use the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India wherein you claim affiliation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

"You must immediately cease and desist using the letterhead of the Wrestling Federation of India for such prohibited purposes and using the name, logos and insignia of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India in violation of the provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011(Sports Code) and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950."

In the strongly-worded letter to Sanjay Singh, the Ministry further said that "any championships or competitions organized by you – the suspended Executive Committee members of the WFI - will be treated as unsanctioned and unrecognized competitions.

"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 or appointment to government jobs/to get admission in school and colleges under sports quota, sports awards, etc...