New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in response to a plea filed by Bajrang Punia and other wrestlers challenging a circular issued by the WFI to conduct selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament.
Several wrestlers have filed a plea in Delhi HC against the WFI for allegedly targeting and harassing them for being outspoken and critical of the organisation’s alleged corrupt malpractices, including sexual harassment allegations against officials. The plea argues that the WFI’s actions were in direct violation of the National Sports Development Code-2011, r/w Judgment passed August 16, 2022, and the principles of national sports development. It has also been alleged that the WFI’s conduct has harmed the integrity and credibility of wrestling in India.
The wrestlers have demanded that the WFI should halt all selection trials and lift its notice of participation in the Asian Olympic Games Qualifier Wrestling Tournament. They have also sought directions to the Delhi HC to take suo moto cognisance of the matter and take steps to ensure the protection of the rights of all wrestlers in India.
WFI, a National Sports Federation duly recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, held its elections on December 21, 2023. However, immediately after the elections, the Ministry issued an order on December 24, 2023, preventing the Executive Committee of WFI from conducting any activities related to managing and administering the day-to-day activities of the Federation.
The same order further directed the Indian Olympic Association to constitute an Ad-Hoc Committee to manage and control the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India including the selection of athletes, making entries for the participation of sportspersons in international events, holding sports activities, etc. with immediate effect, until further orders.
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