2023-12-24 08:10:31
The Union Sports Ministry has taken a decisive step by suspending the governing body of the wrestling federation, amidst growing protests from wrestlers. The new governing body of the federation, led by Sanjay Singh, was elected last day, sparking widespread outrage and protests.
The suspension comes at a time when there is a strong opposition to the election of Sanjay Singh as the new president of the federation, following allegations against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh’s confidant. Wrestler Sakshi Malik has announced her retirement in protest, while stars like Bajrang Punia have also expressed their disappointment with the election results.
The protests by the wrestlers are demanding action against Brij Bhushan, who is accused in a sexual assault case. Notably, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Shoren contested for the post of president of the wrestling federation and received a total of seven votes, but Sanjay Singh won the election by securing 40 out of 47 votes.
Former president of the federation and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had admitted to harassing women wrestlers whenever he got an opportunity in the past, and a charge sheet was filed against him in the sexual assault case filed by the wrestlers. The National Federation elections were initially canceled by the Punjab-Haryana High Court, but were later opened after the Supreme Court quashed the stay order.
Sanjay Singh, the newly elected president, has a background as the Vice President of Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Federation and has been a part of the last Executive Council of WFI and its Joint Secretary since 2019. The suspension of the new governing body by the Sports Ministry indicates a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the wrestling federation.
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