Govt asks IOA to form panel to run wrestling body

Government has asked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to constitute an ad-hoc Committee to manage and control the affairs of Wrestling Federation of India. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has written a letter to the President of IOA in this regard. The Ministry has abstained the newly elected Executive Committee of the WFI from administering and managing the day-to-day activities of the federation. Taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI's former office bearers, the Ministry said, stringent corrective measures are required to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organizations. The Ministry asked Indian Olympic Association to make suitable arrangements for the interim period for managing the attairs of WFI so that sportspersons of wrestling discipline do not suffer in any manner.Earlier on Sunday, the ministry suspended the new governing body - elected on Thursday. The Ministry said,  the latter ‘displayed blatant disregard for procedural norms and the constitution of the body while announcing the Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling national tournaments.’
Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh, the newly elected chief of the Wrestling Federation of India who was suspended by the Centre today, has said that members of the governing council will speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modito get the suspension revoked. He, however, in another interview, said the suspended governing council can even take legal recourse if discussions with the government don't elicit a favourable response. "We are seeking time from the sports minister and request that the suspension be lifted. If the issue is not resolved through dialogue, we could explore legal options," Sanjay Singh told an agency.

Former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Sunday said he has "taken retirement" from the sport and the newly-elected body will now take charge as he has many more responsibilities to look into, including next year's Lok Sabha elections.Brij Bhushan's comments came soon after his meeting with BJP chief JP Nadda following WFI's suspension by the Sports Ministry till further orders.Brij Bhushan clarified that the decision to hold the U15 and U20 Nationals was taken in haste because he did not want the young players to lose one precious year of their careers."The championship was allotted to Nandini Nagar because every state association said they cannot organise it in just 4-5 days. The decision to hold the U15 and U20 Nationals was taken by consensus of all 25 state associations so that children don't lose one year. All 25 state associations gave their consent in writing to hold them in Nandini Nagar.