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Delhi HC Orders Fresh Selection Trials for Wrestling Competitions

Delhi HC Orders Fresh Selection Trials for Wrestling Competitions

By November 13, 2024 0

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice in response to a plea seeking directions for the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) ad hoc committee to conduct fresh selection trials for upcoming wrestling competitions. The ad hoc committee was appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in December 2023 after the Union Sports Ministry suspended the Sanjay Singh-led WFI from managing the federation’s activities.

The ministry’s order also directed the IOA to form an ad hoc committee to oversee WFI affairs, including athlete selection and international event entries. However, the IOA disbanded the committee in March 2023, citing the lifting of WFI’s ban by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the successful completion of selection trials.

On August 16, 2023, the High Court restored the ad hoc committee’s mandate and ordered the IOA to reinstate it. The court has now sought responses from the sports ministry, the Sanjay Singh-led WFI, and the WFI ad hoc committee in an application filed by four wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia.

The wrestlers argue that WFI has been conducting selection trials in violation of the court’s August 16 order, which directed the ad hoc committee to manage such affairs. They claim that this action prejudices the rights of Indian wrestlers who deserve a fair and transparent selection process.

The application also highlights the IOA’s failure to comply with the court’s order to reinstate the ad hoc committee. This non-compliance, they argue, undermines the principles of transparency and accountability in the governance of National Sports Federations (NSFs) as mandated by the Sports Code.

The court has set December 12 as the next date of hearing. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the management and governance of WFI and the selection process for Indian wrestlers in upcoming competitions.

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Sakshi Malik's Autobiography Reveals Protest Controversies and Childhood Trauma

Sakshi Malik’s Autobiography Reveals Protest Controversies and Childhood Trauma

By October 21, 2024 0

Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik has released her autobiography, “Witness,” in which she shares her experiences as a wrestler and the challenges she faced throughout her career.

Malik, along with Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, led a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in 2021. However, she criticized Phogat and Punia’s decision to accept exemption from the Asian Games trials, stating that it undermined the credibility of their protest.

Malik also revealed that she was molested by her tuition teacher during her childhood but kept it a secret. She struggled with self-blame and fear, which affected her early wrestling career. Despite her physical abilities, she lacked the confidence to confront opponents.

During the WFI protest, Malik expressed disappointment with the political class and accused Babita Phogat, a former wrestler and current BJP politician, of having selfish motives. She alleged that Phogat aimed to replace Sharan Singh rather than solely advocate for the protesters’ demands.

Malik also shared that her parents took away most of her award money and opposed her relationship with fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian. However, she stood her ground and fought for her love.

Malik’s autobiography provides a candid account of her journey as a wrestler, the obstacles she overcame, and the controversies that shaped her career. It highlights the challenges faced by female athletes and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

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Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High Court

Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High Court

By September 11, 2024 0

Wrestler Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High Court

Wrestler Bajrang Punia has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging his suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The suspension stems from Punia’s refusal to provide a urine sample for a dope test during selection trials in March.

Punia’s counsel argued that the suspension is arbitrary and violates his fundamental rights. He claimed that NADA failed to follow proper testing protocols and that Punia had legitimate reasons for refusing the test. The counsel also highlighted the upcoming Senior World Wrestling Championships in Albania and urged the court to grant an interim relief to allow Punia to participate.

NADA’s counsel defended the suspension, stating that a disciplinary panel is investigating the matter and that Punia is not being targeted. The counsel emphasized that athletes cannot refuse dope tests and that NADA is committed to ensuring fair play.

The court questioned Punia on his refusal to submit a sample, highlighting the importance of testing for the integrity of the sport. However, the court also acknowledged Punia’s concerns and directed NADA to file a response to the petition.

Punia’s suspension has sparked controversy, with many questioning the timing and fairness of the decision. The wrestler has been a vocal critic of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and has alleged sexual harassment by its former chief.

The outcome of the court case will have significant implications for Punia’s career and the future of anti-doping in Indian sports.

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Delhi HC Restores IOA Ad Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India

Delhi HC Restores IOA Ad Hoc Committee for Wrestling Federation of India

By August 16, 2024 0

The Delhi High Court has reinstated the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad hoc committee to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The decision came in response to a plea filed by renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.

The court’s interim order overturned the IOA’s dissolution of the ad hoc committee, which was formed after the WFI’s elections in December 2023. The court held that the IOA’s decision was incompatible with the Union Sports Ministry’s suspension of the WFI following the elections.

Justice Sachin Datta rejected the petitioners’ request to appoint a retired high court or Supreme Court judge as the WFI administrator. Instead, the court allowed the IOA to reconstitute the ad hoc committee with eminent sportspersons or experts who have experience in dealing with international federations.

The wrestlers had protested at Jantar Mantar last year, demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment. They subsequently filed a petition in the high court to annul the WFI elections.

The Sports Ministry suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly violating its constitution. The IOA then formed an ad hoc committee to manage the WFI’s affairs. However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the suspension in February, prompting the IOA to dissolve its ad hoc committee on March 18.

The court ruled that the UWW’s lifting of the ban was unrelated to the Sports Ministry’s suspension order and the formation of the ad hoc committee. It also stated that the Sports Ministry should not have adopted a passive approach that undermined its own orders.

The court emphasized that the ad hoc committee will continue to manage the WFI’s affairs until the Sports Ministry’s suspension order is reviewed or recalled. It also noted that the Paris Olympic Games are over, and there is no reason for the ministry to delay a decision on the suspension order.

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Aman Sehrawat Secures India's First Paris Olympics Quota in Wrestling

Aman Sehrawat Secures India’s First Paris Olympics Quota in Wrestling

By May 12, 2024 0

Aman Sehrawat has secured India’s first quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in men’s freestyle wrestling, triumphing in the 57kg division at the World Olympic Qualifier in Istanbul. The Asian Games medalist showcased his dominance throughout the tournament, comfortably winning all his bouts.

In the crucial semi-final, Sehrawat faced Asian Games silver medalist Chongsong Han of North Korea. Despite a tight first period, Sehrawat’s superior technique and relentless attacks proved too much for Han. He secured a 12-2 victory, sealing the Olympic quota for India.

Sehrawat’s success also provides a lifeline to Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, who competes in the same weight class. The Olympic quota belongs to the country, and Sehrawat will likely have to win the selection trials at home to represent India in Paris.

Sujeet Kalkal also impressed in the 65kg division, reaching the semi-finals before losing to experienced Mongolian wrestler Tomor-Ochiryn Tulga. However, the 22-year-old will have another chance to qualify for Paris in the repechage on Sunday.

Sehrawat’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by consistent progress. In 2022, he became the world U23 champion. Last year, he won bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games and gold at the Asian Championships in Astana. Despite missing out on qualification at the 2023 world championships and the Asian Qualifiers, Sehrawat remained determined and seized his opportunity in Istanbul.

Sehrawat’s victory is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian wrestling. With Ravi Dahiya and Bajrang Punia also in contention, India has a strong chance of medaling in the 57kg and 65kg weight classes at the Paris Olympics.

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Bajrang Punia Refutes Doping Refusal Allegations, Cites NADA Lapses

Bajrang Punia Refutes Doping Refusal Allegations, Cites NADA Lapses

By May 10, 2024 0

Olympic medalist wrestler Bajrang Punia has refuted allegations that he refused to provide urine samples during selection trials in Sonepat in March. He claims that he merely requested an explanation from the dope control officials after they failed to provide adequate proof of carrying proper equipment.

Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, stated that he had previously encountered issues with NADA officials. On two separate occasions, they had arrived with expired kits and only one testing kit instead of the mandatory three.

On March 10, when approached by alleged doping control officials, Punia sought an explanation for these previous lapses. However, he received no response. He then informed the officials that he would provide a sample upon receiving an explanation.

Instead of providing an explanation, the officials left the venue, claiming it to be a refusal from Punia’s end. He emphasized that he remained at the venue for an hour after the incident and met with the SAI doctor for treatment of a knee injury.

Punia also alleged that the DCOs did not follow protocol by leaving before he submitted his medical report to the competition manager. He believes that his actions were justified due to NADA’s past actions and the need to ensure compliance with doping control protocols.

“It is my moral obligation towards the wrestling community and particularly the younger wrestlers, that I exercised here,” Punia stated.

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Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW for Anti-Doping Violation

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW for Anti-Doping Violation

By May 9, 2024 0

Bajrang Punia, India’s star wrestler and Tokyo Olympic medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation. The suspension stems from an incident on March 10, when Punia refused to provide a sample after the selection trials in Sonepat.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued a notice to Punia on April 23, requesting a response by May 7. In his defense, Punia released a video on social media, questioning NADA’s use of an expired sample collection kit in December.

Punia’s lawyer, Vidhuspat Singhania, confirmed that they had submitted a reply to NADA’s notice on May 7. However, he expressed unawareness of the UWW suspension.

According to UWW records, Punia’s suspension will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The suspension is based on NADA’s provisional suspension for an alleged anti-doping rule violation.

Provisional suspensions by anti-doping authorities apply to all competitions, both domestic and international, until the charges are resolved. International federations typically do not issue separate suspensions in such cases.

The hearing in Punia’s case has yet to commence. However, UWW rules allow for provisional suspensions in cases of anti-doping rule violations that do not involve an adverse analytical finding or a final hearing.

Punia’s suspension is a significant setback for his Olympic aspirations. He failed to qualify for the two Olympic qualifiers after losing in the Sonepat trials. India has yet to secure an Olympic berth in the 65kg weight class, which will be contested by Sujeet Kalkal in the ongoing World Qualifiers.

If Punia is ultimately banned for refusing to provide a sample, his Olympic dreams will be shattered.

In a separate development, NADA has withdrawn a notice of “three whereabouts failures” against Punia. Singhania clarified that the notice was issued in error and that it had been retracted.

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Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW, SAI Sanctions Training Despite NADA Ban

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW, SAI Sanctions Training Despite NADA Ban

By May 9, 2024 0

Wrestling’s governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has suspended Bajrang Punia until December 31, 2024, following the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) provisional suspension for refusing a dope test. Despite this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has sanctioned nearly Rs 9 lakh for Punia’s training abroad, despite being aware of NADA’s order.

Punia, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, was suspended by NADA on April 23 after failing to provide a sample for testing. He claims he did not refuse to give a sample but questioned the use of expired kits.

The UWW has updated its system to reflect Punia’s suspension, stating that he is suspended until December 31, 2024, for an alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

Despite the suspension, SAI approved Punia’s proposal for training in Dagestan, Russia, from May 28. The proposal included travel expenses for his strength and conditioning coach and sparring partner.

SAI officials have not responded to requests for an explanation for the decision to sanction Punia’s training. Punia confirmed that he had submitted a proposal to SAI but has since canceled his training plans.

In the same meeting, SAI also sanctioned training expenses for Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik. Mor will train in the USA, while Malik will train in Japan.

If the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) holds a final selection event, Mor will need to win to challenge Anshu Malik, who has already secured an Olympic quota in the women’s 57kg category.

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Bajrang Punia Indefinitely Suspended by NADA, Olympic Hopes in Jeopardy

Bajrang Punia Indefinitely Suspended by NADA, Olympic Hopes in Jeopardy

By May 5, 2024 0

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has indefinitely suspended wrestler Bajrang Punia, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Punia failed to provide a urine sample during selection trials on March 10, prompting NADA to issue the suspension.

According to NADA’s official release, Punia has been provisionally suspended from all competitions and activities pending a hearing on the matter. The suspension stems from Punia’s refusal to provide a sample despite being informed of the consequences.

Punia, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was among several wrestlers who accused former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The suspension comes as a setback for Punia, who was expected to compete in the selection trials later this month.

In the absence of Punia, Sujeet Kalkal will represent India at the World Qualifiers in Istanbul on May 9. The suspension notice was addressed to the WFI’s now-defunct ad hoc committee, rather than the federation recognized by United World Wrestling (UWW).

Punia had previously claimed that he had expired dope-collecting kits, but disregarded the dope control officer’s directive. The DCO’s report states that Punia left the venue despite being informed that his refusal would result in a warning for breaking anti-doping rules.

Punia has been asked to provide a written justification for his refusal by May 7. If he accepts the consequences, the case will be resolved without further disciplinary proceedings. However, if he disagrees, the matter will be referred to the anti-doping disciplinary panel.

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WFI Clarifies Selection Policy for Paris Olympics, Doors Open for All Wrestlers

WFI Clarifies Selection Policy for Paris Olympics, Doors Open for All Wrestlers

By March 29, 2024 0

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has clarified its stance on the selection of wrestlers for the Paris Olympics, stating that the doors remain open for all athletes, including Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Ravi Dahiya.

WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasized that the federation will adhere to its selection policy, which stipulates that the performance of quota-winning wrestlers will be reviewed before a decision is made on holding a selection trial prior to the Paris Games.

“There is no confusion now. The ad-hoc committee is no longer in place, and WFI will follow the rules and regulations of its selection policy,” Singh said. “It states that whoever wins the Olympic berth, their performance will be assessed. If the performance is satisfactory, the same wrestler will go to Paris. Otherwise, the wrestler who is performing well in the same weight class will get an opportunity.”

Regarding Dahiya and Punia, Singh stated that their performances will be evaluated, as will those of all other wrestlers. “There will be no discrimination against anyone,” he added.

The teams for the two Olympic qualification tournaments were selected based on the ad-hoc panel’s selection policy, which allowed the top four wrestlers from these trials to qualify for a final trial in May for the Paris Olympics.

In the 53kg weight class, Antim Panghal has already qualified, while double world medalist Vinesh Phogat is among the contenders to challenge her for Paris. However, Phogat will also have the opportunity to secure a berth for India in the 50kg category.

“Vinesh will be competing in the 50kg Olympic qualification tournament in Bishkek,” Singh confirmed.

At the WFI Special General Meeting in Noida, amendments to the constitution were approved, including age, tenure, and cooling-off period guidelines as per the Sports Code. The 70-year age cap and two consecutive terms (or eight years), followed by a mandatory four-year cooling-off period, will now apply to all WFI executive council positions.

The SGM also adopted a resolution to conduct Athletes Commission elections as mandated by United World Wrestling (UWW). The elections will be held during the Federation Cup in Varanasi from April 24-26.

WFI, which was suspended by the Sports Ministry, discussed the possibility of functioning without government funding. “UWW and IOA have lifted the suspension on WFI. We hope the Sports Ministry also lifts the suspension, but at present, we are not receiving any financial help from the government, so we discussed ways to run the organization,” Singh said.

WFI Secretary General Prem Chand Lohcab, who came from the camp of protesting wrestlers, has not attended any of the three WFI meetings. WFI adopted a resolution that if the secretary general fails to forward proposed amendments to every member of the general council as described in the WFI constitution, the president may authorize one of the joint secretaries to do so.

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