United World Wrestling reacts after WFI saga centring Brij Bhushan Sharan and Indian wrestlers

The United World Wrestling, on Tuesday, January 24, reacted to the saga involving the Indian wrestlers and Brij Bhushan Sharan, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Chaos broke out after Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia held protests at Jantar Mantar. Phogat also accused Brij Bhushan of sexually harassing wrestlers.

The situation worsened to the extent that sports activist and lawyer, Rahul Mehra, said that Narendra Modi, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, should call the wrestlers and sort out the mess.

The Union Sports Ministry recently asked the WFI to suspend all its activities. The decision was taken after it was decided that the government would appoint an Oversight Committee to take care of activities in the WFI.

The UWW talked about reaching out to the concerned person in the oversight committee and also expressed its concerns about the upcoming Asian Championships to be staged from March 28 to April 2.

Here’s the letter from the UWW regarding the WFI matter:
Dear Madam/Sir,

‘The UWW has taken due note of the decisions made by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to suspend the activities of the Wrestling Federation of India (WF!) until an Oversight Committee is appointed to take over the daily activities of the federation, The suspension of Mr Vinod Kumar, Assistant Secretary of the WF is also well noted.

To ensure that the participation of Indian wrestlers in their sport does not suffer unreasonable delays and that the operations related to their entries in international competitions are correctly followed up, we would appreciate receiving the contact details of the person in charge of this oversight committee as very soon as possible. UWW remains a disposal to assist this committee with regards to the conditions and the administration of entries in international competitions.

‘The UWW is also concerned by the conditions of organization of the 2023 Asian Championships Senior in New Delhi, currently planned from 28 March until 2 April 2023. We would greatly appreciate to be informed whether the capacity is still in place to organize this event and to welcome all delegations in good conditions. The contact details of the person in charge of your Organizing Committee would also be appreciated.

UWW hereby reiterate its great concern around the allegations made by the athletes and remain at disposal for any further assistance.

Yours sincerely,

Nenad Latovic

UWW President