Indian Sports Ministry Suspends Wrestling Federation

Newly elected president Sanjay Singh to seek dialogue with Prime Minister, considers legal options as top wrestlers protest election results

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been suspended by the Indian sports ministry due to concerns over governance and integrity, following the election of a new president backed by his predecessor, who is charged with sexual harassment.
The ministry has asked the Olympic Association to form an interim committee to manage the WFI's affairs.
Sanjay Singh, the newly elected president of the WFI and a close associate of the former president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has said he will seek dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consider legal options if the suspension is not lifted.
Several top Indian wrestlers have protested against the election results, with one top female wrestler, Sakshi Malik, announcing her retirement from the sport in protest.
Bajrang Punia, the first Indian wrestler to win four world championship medals, has announced he will return his Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian award – in protest over the election.