Govt suspends new wrestling panel: Being run from Brij Bhushan’s premises

Three days after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, the Union Sports Ministry on Sunday suspended the newly-elected committee of the governing body. The reason for the action was the conduct of the WFI’s former president and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, whose tenure got over earlier this year and who has been charged by Delhi Police with sexual harassment of six women wrestlers.

Sharing details of the action, a ministry official said that despite formation of the new committee, WFI affairs were being conducted from Brij Bhushan’s premises “wherein sexual harassment of players has been alleged”, and that he “appears to be in complete control”. The official further said that the WFI panel led by Sanjay Singh, who had earlier said that Brij Bhushan was like his “brother”, had demonstrated “blatant disregard for established legal and procedural norms”.

The government put the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in charge of carrying out the day-to-day affairs of the WFI “until further orders”. This is the second time this year that the IOA has been handed over the responsibility to govern domestic wrestling.

In a letter to IOA president P T Usha, Under Secretary Tarun Pareek wrote: “I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s order… abstaining the newly-elected Executive Committee of the WFI from administering and managing the day-to-day activities of the Federation.”

Pareek added: “…taking note of the compelling current situation arising out of the influence and control of the WFI’s former office-bearers, serious concerns have arisen about the governance and integrity of the WFI. This requires immediate and stringent corrective measures to uphold the principles of good governance in sports organisations.”

The ministry’s decision comes on the back of strong objections raised by some of the country’s top wrestlers – Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia – against the outcome of the WFI elections. While Sakshi announced her retirement in protest, Bajrang returned his Padma Shri award.

The suspension of the committee means Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan’s close aide, will not be involved in the decision-making process until further orders.

Sanjay Singh told news agency PTI that they will seek revocation of the suspension and also explore legal options. “We are seeking time from the Sports Minister and will request him that the suspension be lifted. If the issue is not resolved through dialogue, we could explore legal options,” he said. “We will explain that we have followed rules in taking decisions. We will present the proof.”

In New Delhi, following a meeting with BJP chief J P Nadda, Brij Bhushan told reporters that he will stay away from the sport now.

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“I served wrestling for 12 years, good or bad only time will tell. I have taken retirement from wrestling. I am breaking my relationship with the sport. Now whatever decision has to be taken, whether to liaise with the government or handle the legal processes, those decisions will be taken by the elected members now. The Lok Sabha elections are around the corner and I have to move ahead,” he was quoted by PTI as saying.

The statement marks a complete U-turn from election day when Brij Bhushan was recommending timelines to conduct competitions and said he would be open to giving suggestions to the new body.

Brij Bhushan also backtracked on his claims that his “dabdaba” (dominance) will continue following Sanjay Singh’s win. The posters proclaiming that, too, were removed from his premises. “I realised that some of these posters smacked of arrogance,” he said.

On Thursday, the panel backed by Brij Bhushan and led by Sanjay Singh assumed control of the WFI, which is still suspended by the international wrestling federation after its much-delayed elections took place in controversial circumstances. Singh defeated former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran in a one-sided election.

Minutes after his appointment, Sanjay Singh met Brij Bhushan at his official residence, which also doubles up as the WFI office.

The ministry official said, “The business of the Federation is being run from the premises controlled by former office-bearers, which is also the alleged premises wherein sexual harassment of the players has been alleged and presently, the court is hearing the matter.”

Sanjay Singh’s decision to hold the Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Brij Bhushan’s backyard Gonda, from December 28 to 30, also irked the government. “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 official said.

“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.”

Brij Bhushan said the Nationals were allotted to Nandini Nagar in Gonda as state associations declined to host it at such short notice. “All 25 state associations gave their consent in writing to hold them in Nandini Nagar,” he said. “I will request the government and the Sports Ministry to please organise the tournaments under their supervision if they want in Delhi or whichever place they want so that children don’t lose a year.”

On the Sanjay Singh-led WFI functioning from the premises of his official residence, which was cited by the Sports Ministry as one of reasons, the MP said: “I will tell the new office-bearers to take their office to a new place.”

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