India’s Wrestling Body Gets Green Light After Ministry Lifts Ban

The Union Sports Ministry ended its Wrestling Federation of India suspension so Indian wrestlers can now compete at international tournaments including the Asian Championships. The Union Sports Ministry made its decision following months of challenges in the Indian wrestling administration started when wrestlers protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

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According to the ministry’s order, the newly formed WFI would create an empty leadership space that could harm wrestler training and affect India’s Olympic and Asian Games results. After taking office Sanjay Singh and his new WFI administration faced an immediate suspension by the ministry as officials suspected past directors influenced decision-making.

The federation has set up key changes such as creating an Athletes Commission with voting rights plus setting up Ethics and Sexual Harassment Boards while moving to new facilities. After concerns emerged at a Delhi High Court hearing the ministry decided to take action because no qualified entity existed to conduct international trials.

Within one month, WFI needs to undo all suspension period changes while sticking to Sports Code rules for picking athletes for international games.