Days after a new president replaced the previous head facing sexual harassment charges, India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended the newly-elected governing body of the wrestling federation, accusing it of violating rules by announcing championships too hastily. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been instructed to suspend all activities until further notice. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been asked to form a temporary panel to govern the WFI in light of serious concerns about governance and integrity.
The suspension of WFI’s governing body comes after Sanjay Singh was elected to replace Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing sexual harassment allegations. Many top wrestlers led protests demanding Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s removal when the accusations emerged in January. A criminal case against him is ongoing and could result in a five-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.
Wrestling is very popular in rural northern India, and star athletes have voiced their support for the accusers. Top female wrestler Sakshi Malik announced her decision to quit the sport over Sanjay Singh’s election. Bajrang Punia, the first Indian wrestler to win four world championship medals, also announced he will return his Padma Shri award in protest over the election. The new president, Sanjay Singh, defeated Anita Sheoran, who won a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and supported the campaign against the predecessor. The WFI’s election was intended to end the federation’s suspension by United World Wrestling, but with the government’s order, that is unlikely.
The Sports Ministry criticized the new president’s actions as arbitrary, stating that the new board “appears to be in complete control of former office bearers”.