WFI suspension revoked: Why the government decided to take drastic call

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has revealed the reason why the government decided to take the drastic step to revoke the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Tuesday, March 11.

The ministry had initially suspended the WFI onb December 24, 2023 for lapses in governance and procedural integrity by the new body. The ministry had also asked the IOA to form an ad-hoc panel to run the daily affairs of the federation. On Tuesday, a directive was sent to the newly elected Executive Committee of the WFI to abstain from administering and managing the day-to-day activities of the Federation with immediate effect until further orders. The sports minister told India Today exclusively that the suspension of WFI meant that Indian wrestlers couldn’t participate in Asian and world championships.

“Indian wrestlers could not participate in the Asian and world championships and it wasn’t good for our wrestlers. As per the direction of the High Court, it was necessary to recognise WFI so that wrestlers can participate in those tournaments. Hence, we gave recognition to WFI,” said Mandaviya.

Conditions for Revocation of WFI
The conditions for the revocation of WFI included that the body had to make governance reforms and non-interference from suspended or terminated officials. The WFI was also instructed to ensure fair and transparent selection process for international events, following the sports code.

Governance Reforms: WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within 4 weeks.

Non-Interference: Any non-elected person, suspended or terminated officials must be completely dissociated from WFI. The Executive Committee must submit an undertaking within 4 weeks.

Transparent Selection Process: WFI must ensure fair and transparent selection of athletes for all international events, following the Sports Code and UWW regulations. Ministry has recently issued instructions to NSFs on fair trials with provision of Camera/CCTV and Government Observer.

Good Governance & Athlete Welfare: WFI must strictly adhere to sports governance principles, ethical standards, and athlete safety policies.