Indian Wrestlers Cleared for World Championships Despite WFI Suspension
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) saga took a significant turn as the Indian government and sports ministry cleared the Indian team’s participation in the upcoming World Championships in Albania. The contingent had initially withdrawn due to fears of contempt-of-court charges, but the ministry assumed responsibility for any potential legal repercussions.
This decision came after a delegation of 12 wrestlers met with Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi. The wrestlers had initially sought legal recourse but were informed that their petition could not be heard immediately. However, they were granted an evening meeting with the minister.
“A group of wrestlers met me and apprised me of the issue and their concern,” Mandaviya told reporters after the meeting. “I gave the direction that the court matter will continue in court but the wrestlers must compete in World Championships. They should get this opportunity. Whatever and wherever I needed to speak, I have done that.”
Earlier this week, wrestler Satyawart Kadian had filed a contempt petition against the WFI for hosting trials for the World Championships and U-23 events. Despite the WFI’s suspension by the sports ministry, the contingent will still represent India in Albania thanks to Mandaviya’s intervention. The United World Wrestling (UWW) had cleared the WFI for participation in February.
WFI president Sanjay Singh expressed confidence in sending a team, with the ministry willing to bear the legal consequences. “We discussed the issue with the minister, who assured that they will take responsibility if a contempt charge is levelled on the federation and cleared the participation of the team,” he said. Regarding the suspension, Singh stated, “The ministry has said it will review it. It may take a one month or so.”
Kadian, who is married to Sakshi Malik and is part of the group protesting against the WFI, had argued that the federation had no legal authority to host trials due to its suspension. The WFI had initially withdrawn the trial notice and the team from the World Championships, but an Indian contingent will now compete in Tirana, Albania from October 28.