Wfi

HC seeks Centre's stand on Punia, Phogat's plea over WFI administration

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the Centre and the WFI on a plea by celebrated wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyawart Kadian pressing that affairs of the federation be taken over by an IOA-ad hoc committee or a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge. Justice Prateek Jalan issued notice on the application by celebrated wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyawart Kadian which sought to restrain the present management of the WFI from taking any steps towards holding any selection trials. The court asked the Centre and the WFI to file in two weeks their response to the application, which forms part of the wrestlers' petition against the elections held in federation, and listed the matter for hearing on December 12. The senior counsel appearing for the petitioners said the WFI was being run by a "proxy" president and selection trials were being held at the cost of the wrestlers and in ...

Wrestlers' harassment: HC asks Delhi Police's reply on Brij Bhushan's plea

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought response of the city police and wrestlers on a plea by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh seeking early hearing of his petition to quash an FIR lodged against him by several women wrestlers. Singh has sought preponement of the date of hearing in the main petition which is listed on January 13, 2025, on the grounds that the matter is at the stage of recording prosecution evidence in the trial court and by the time the case will come up before the high court, most of the witnesses will be examined. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri issued notice to the Delhi Police and the wrestlers on the application in which Singh has also urged the high court to direct the trial court not to proceed in the criminal case till disposal of his pending petition. The high court asked the police and the wrestlers to file their replies to the application and listed it for hearing on December 16. During the brief hearing, Singh, represented by advoca

Brij Bhushan sexual harassment case: Court records statement of witness

A Delhi court on Monday recorded the statement of a witness in a case of alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers by former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot recorded the statement of the witness and posted the matter on October 19 for further proceedings. The court on May 10 ordered framing the charge of sexual harassment and other charges against Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, in the case lodged on a complaint from six female wrestlers, observing that there was "sufficient evidence" against him. It had directed framing of charges against Singh, a six-time former Lok Sabha MP, under Indian Penal Code sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 506 (criminal intimidation). The magistrate framed the charges on May 21 after Singh pleaded not guilty.

WFI requests CGF to not drop wrestling from CWG 2026, but not very hopeful

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh on Tuesday urged the Commonwealth Games Federation to retain the sport in the 2026 CWG roster but also conceded that prospective host Scotland might not relent. India is one of the most successful wrestling nations in CWG, having won 114 medals in the sport till the 2022 edition. Wrestling was part of the CWG roster in the last three editions. The last time wrestling missed out was in 2006 when basketball replaced it. Before that, wrestling was removed from the programme in 1998 for the addition of 10-pin bowling. Scottish capital Glasgow is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Victoria pulled out, citing the huge cost of conducting the showpiece. "I met CGF President Chris Jenkins and CGF CEO Katie Sadleir during NSFs (National Sports Federations) meeting with the Commonwealth Games Federation. We told them how important it is for India and several other nations to have wrestling on the CWG roster. They said that

Let WFI work without any interference: WFI President Sanjay Singh

WFI President Sanjay Singh on Monday said India have the potential to win four to five medals in women's wrestling at the 2028 Olympic Games but for that to happen "a couple of institutions" will have to stop interfering in day-to-day functioning of the national federation. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) remains suspended by the Sports Ministry even as world governing body UWW had lifted its suspension in February following conduct of its election. The ministry had suspended WFI on December 24, three days after it held elections where Sanjay Singh was elected the new President. Ministry's action came in the wake of WFI's announcement of hosting U-15 and U-20 Nationals, hours after the election. Ministry said the announcement was against the the rules since a 15-day notice was required so that players could prepare. WFI had maintained that young wrestlers would have lost one year if it waited for 15 days since 2023 season would have finished by then. IOA, on being asked b

Have police revoked security for wrestlers testifying against Brij Bhusan?

Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have accused the Delhi Police of withdrawing security cover of wrestlers set to testify against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh; Delhi Police has denied the allegation

WFI chief Sanjay Singh wants CAS's verdict to be in India's favour

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on the morning of the Paris Olympics final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit. During the weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit

WFI vice-president believes CAS's verdict will be in Vinesh's favour

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delayed the verdict on Vinesh Phogat's appeal regarding her disqualification from the women's 50kg final at the Paris Olympics to August 16

HC asks sports ministry to respond to WFI's plea challenging suspension

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the Centre's response on a plea by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) challenging its suspension. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and asked it to file its reply to the petition within four weeks. The high court listed the matter for further hearing on May 28. The Centre had suspended WFI on December 24, 2023, three days after it elected new office bearers, for allegedly not following the provisions of its own constitution while taking decisions. Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, representing WFI, submitted that no show cause notice was issued to the federation before taking the decision to indefinitely suspend it. He said the ministry's decision violates the constitutional provisions of WFI as well as the National Sports Code which contemplates issuance of show cause notice before such action and added that this was against the principles of natural justice. While suspending the W

IOA dissolves ad-hoc panel for wrestling, Sanjay Singh's WFI to take charge

The Indian Olympic Association on Monday dissolved the ad-hoc committee for wrestling, saying "there is no further need" for it to run the sport after revocation of the suspension on the national federation, which now gets complete administrative control. The IOA said that the decision was also guided the successful conduct of the selection trials for next month's Olympic qualifying tournament for which the panel collaborated with WFI. The ad-hoc committee was formed in December last year after the sports ministry suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), which got a shot in the arm when the suspension imposed on it by the global governing body -- United World Wrestling -- was lifted in February. "The decision to dissolve the Adhoc Committee comes in light of the lifting of the ban on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the successful completion of Selection Trials by the Adhoc Committee appointed by the IOA as per the directives

Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya eliminated from Olympics qualification race

Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya -- both Tokyo Games medallists -- were on Sunday eliminated from the race for the Paris Olympics qualification after losing their respective bouts in the selection trials for the upcoming international tournaments. Punia, who was a prominent face of protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, suffered a crushing 1-9 defeat in the men's freestyle 65kg semifinal against to Rohit Kumar. This was after he barely managed to win against Ravinder (3-3 on criteria). If Ravinder had not conceded a caution point in the bout, Punia would have been eliminated in the opening bout itself. Punia left the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre here in a huff after being eliminated. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) officials tried to collect sample for dope test from Punia but he did not stay back even for third-fourth place bout. Punia had trained in Russia to prepare for the trials, which are being organised by the IOA ad-hoc panel. Punia

Selection trials: Bajrang Punia, others wrestlers move Delhi HC against WFI

Wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vines Phogat and Satyawrat Kadiyan have moved the Delhi High Court against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) decision to conduct selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament.The plea stated that the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is conducting selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament notified through its circular dated February 26, 2024, against the directives of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India by Indian Olympic Association and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.The petitioners claim that they, along with numerous other athletes, have been selectively targeted and harassed by WFI for being evidently vocal, outspoken and critical of WFI's blatant illegalities and corrupt malpractices including but not limited to allegations of sexual ...

WFI invites Bajrang, Vinesh, retired Sakshi to appear for national trials

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Monday invited protesting grapplers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and retired Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik to come for the national trials in March to select the team for two top Asian competitions, including the 2024 Paris Games Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan. One of the conditions put by the United World Wrestling (UWW) while lifting the suspension on WFI earlier this month was that the three grapplers would not be discriminated against for protesting against former national federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The three have been demanding the arrest of Brij Bhushan for his alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers. The sports ministry had also suspended the WFI last year in the wake of the serious allegations and instituted an ad-hoc panel to run the affairs of the sport. The ministry had also ordered fresh elections, which were held in December last year, but the newly-elected body under Sanjay Singh was suspended by the ministry

Wrestler Bajrang Punia urges world body to reimpose suspension on WFI

Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia on Thursday urged world governing body UWW to reimpose suspension on Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), saying reinstating the Sanjay Singh-led body has again put wrestlers under "threat and harassment". The United World Wrestling (UWW) on Tuesday lifted the provisional suspension imposed on WFI but with a condition: the national federation must provide written guarantees ensuring no discriminatory action against the protesting trio - Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat. "This decision has again put Indian wrestlers under threat and harassment by WFI members," Punia wrote in his letter, shared on his social media handle 'X'. UWW had suspended WFI in August 23 for not holding elections on time. After numerous hurdles, WFI finally held its polls and Sanjay Singh was elected President. "We wrestlers request you kindly support Indian athletes against unfair practices and harassment through various means. Indian wrestlers are looking up to you for ..

Sakshi, Bajrang threaten for fresh protest after WFI suspension lifted

Olympic medal-winning grapplers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia on Wednesday alleged that national federation chief Sanjay Singh used devious means to get the suspension on WFI lifted by United World Wrestling (UWW) and threatened to restart their agitation against the body. The UWW on Tuesday lifted the provisional suspension on India but directed the national federation to provide written guarantees that there would be no discriminatory action against the protesting trio of Punia, Malik and Vinesh Phogat. The suspension was imposed by UWW in August last year after the WFI failed to hold elections in time. Punia, Malik and Phogat have been protesting for more than a year, demanding the arrest of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for allegedly sexually harassing women grapplers. "We came to know yesterday that Sanjay Singh had done some setting with UWW to get the suspension lifted. Brij Bhushan and Sanjay Singh have left no stone unturned to show that they are above the la

Ad-hoc committee holds no significance: WFI president Sanjay Singh

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh on Tuesday welcomed the United World Wrestling (UWW)'s decision to lift its suspension with immediate effect and said that the ad-hoc committee headed by Bhupinder Singh Bajwa "holds no significance". The suspension was imposed by UWW on August 23 last year after the national federation failed to hold elections in time. "I welcome this decision by UWW. Ad-hoc committee holds no significance now," Singh, who is known to be a loyalist of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, told PTI. "We have been officially recognized, and my suspension has ended. Therefore, seeking legal advice holds no significance for us," added Singh, who wanted to take the legal route amid his run-ins with the ad-hoc committee. The UWW has directed the national federation to provide written guarantees that there would be no discriminatory action against the trio of Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, who had protested on the streets of

UWW lifts suspension on WFI, asks not to discriminate against protestors

Wrestling's world governing body on Tuesday lifted the provisional suspension on India but directed the national federation to provide written guarantees that there would be no discriminatory action against the protesting trio of Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik. The suspension was imposed by United World Wrestling (UWW) on August 23 last year after the national federation failed to hold elections in time. "The UWW Bureau met on February 9 to review the suspension among other topics and considering all the elements and information, it decided to lift the suspension," the world body said in a statement. "The WFI has to immediately provide UWW with written guarantees that all wrestlers will be considered for participation without any discrimination in all WFI events, in particular trials for the Olympic Games and any other major national and international events. "This non-discrimination includes the three athletes who protested against alleged wrongdoings by the former

Nationals organised by suspended WFI have no value: Sakshi, Vinesh

Top Indian wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat hit out at the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Saturday, saying the national championships organised by them in Pune had "no value" and the certificates handed out were "fake". The affairs of wrestling sport are being run by the Indian Olympic Association-constituted ad-hoc body, while the newly-elected WFI, led by Sanjay Singh, has been suspended by the sports ministry for violating its own constitution. The suspended WFI, despite being warned of legal action by the ministry for organising the 'nationals', went ahead with the tournament in Pune from January 29-31. The IOA ad-hoc committee is also organising the national championships here in Jaipur from February 2-5, and Sakshi said on the sidelines of the tournament that the suspended WFI is just trying to show off its strength by organising the 'nationals' in Pune. "They (WFI) have just conducted a parallel national championship and distributed fake certificate

Around 700 wrestlers to compete in senior nationals in Pune: WFI President

Around 700 grapplers, representing all affiliated state units except Punjab and Odisha, will participate in the Senior National Championship in Pune from Monday, the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said on Saturday. The national body was suspended by the Sports Ministry on December 24, just three days after it held its election for violating its own constitution after it announced to host the 2023 age group nationals in Gonda, UP in last week of December. The Sports Ministry had said that the Nationals organised by WFI will not recognised. However, WFI remains defiant. "The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is organising its 2023 Senior National Wrestling Championship in Free Style, Greco Roman & Women Wrestling. The Championship is being organised by the Maharashtra Rajya Kushtigiri Sangh at Pune from 29th to 31st January 2024," said WFI president Sanjay Singh in a statement. "Around 700 Wrestlers across the country are participating in this mega event. All ...

Sakshi Malik advices wrestlers to participate in ad-hoc panel's nationals

Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Thursday advised the country's wrestlers to participate in the Nationals conducted by the ad-hoc committee in Jaipur and not in the event organised by the suspended national federation. Along with Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi led a prolonged fight against the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment and intimidation by the trio. "I urge the wrestlers to go and play in the Nationals organised by the ad-hoc committee and not to take part in the tournament organised by the WFI. The tournament organised by the ad-hoc panel is the recognised event," Sakshi said in a video on X. Last month, the ad-hoc committee governing the WFI announced that the senior national championships for wrestling would be held from February 2 to 5 in Jaipur. The Bhupinder Singh Bajwa-led panel said the event will feature competitions across senior free style, Greco Roman, and women'