The sports Minister suspended the Wrestling Federation of India after a new chief Sanjay Singh came into power. Earlier, wrestler Sakshi Malik quit wrestling.
The Ministry of Sports has taken significant action against the newly appointed president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sanjay Singh. The ministry has revoked Sanjay Singh’s approval, nullifying his recent appointment. This move comes amidst displeasure expressed by wrestlers, particularly from the camp of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a close associate of Sanjay Singh.
Union Sports Ministry suspends the newly elected body of Wrestling Federation of India after the newly elected president Sanjay Singh announced U-15 and U-20 nationals to take place in Nandini Nagar, Gonda (UP) before the end of this year. pic.twitter.com/eMZyNK914Z
— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2023
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Sakshi Malik had announced her decision to quit wrestling in protest of Sanjay Singh becoming the WFI president. Following Sanjay Singh’s appointment, the entire new body, including other newly appointed members, has been suspended. Additionally, all decisions made by Sanjay Singh have been put on hold.
मैं भी अपनी बहन और देश की बेटी के लिए पदम् श्री लौटा दूँगा, माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी को, मुझे गर्व है आपकी बेटी और अपनी बहन @SakshiMalik पर… जी क्यों…?
पर देश के सबसे उच्च खिलाड़ियों से भी अनुरोध करूँगा वो भी अपना निर्णय दे…@sachin_rt @Neeraj_chopra1 pic.twitter.com/MfVeYdqnkL
— Virender Singh (@GoongaPahalwan) December 22, 2023
Sanjay Singh was appointed as the WFI president just two days ago, triggering widespread dissatisfaction among wrestlers. Sakshi Malik, in a press conference, declared her retirement from wrestling, expressing her inability to continue if Sanjay Singh remained in office This decision was followed by Bajrang Punia expressing support for her and announcing his decision to return the Padma Shri award in solidarity. Wrestler Virender Singh also supported the wrestlers, calling for the withdrawal of the Padma Shri award.
Notably, Sanjay Singh upon assuming the position of WFI president had announced plans to organize national competitions for under-15 and under-20 categories in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. However, the Ministry of Sports has now taken drastic action, suspending the entire new body, including Sanjay Singh, and nullifying all decisions taken by him. This move is being seen as a significant victory for the protesting wrestlers who had been demanding the removal of Sanjay Singh from the presidency.
