THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec. 24: Amidst protests against the appointment of Sanjay Singh, the Sports Ministry suspended the newly elected body of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Sunday.
The ministry accused the new WFI committee, headed by Sanjay Singh, a close aide of former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of blatant disregard for the established legal and procedural norms.
The sports ministry’s action has come after it found that the committee, backed by BJP MP Brij Bhushan and led by Sanjay Singh, assumed control of the WFI in controversial circumstances.
WFI controlled by ex-office bearers
The government lashed out at the arrangement. “The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office bearers,” the ministry said. “Which is also alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players have been alleged and present the court is hearing the matter.”
Apart from this, Sanjay Singh’s decision to hold the under-15 and under-20 national championships would be held in Gonda, the backyard of Brij Bhushan, also irked the ministry.
Hasty decision
“This announcement is hasty, without giving sufficient notice to wrestlers who are to take part in the said nationals and without following the provisions of the constitution of WFI,” the ministry noted.
It added: “The actions smack of complete arbitrariness on the part of the President, which is against the settled principles of good governance and devoid of transparency and due process. Adherence to governance norms is vital for ensuring fair play, transparency and accountability. These are crucial to build trust among athletes, stakeholders, and the public.”
