WFI Withdraws Selection Trial Circular After Court Reprimand
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), led by Sanjay Singh, has withdrawn its controversial circular for conducting selection trials for the Indian Senior Wrestling Team for the 2024 Senior World Wrestling Championship. The decision came after the Delhi High Court reprimanded the WFI for issuing the circular despite the court’s order restoring the mandate of the ad hoc committee appointed by the International Olympic Association (IOA).
On August 16, the High Court had restored the mandate of the ad hoc committee, stating that its dissolution was “unwarranted” and “incongruous.” The court also noted that the union sports ministry had not expressed any reservations or protests against the dissolution.
The WFI’s decision to withdraw the circular was made in response to a contempt plea filed by wrestler Satyawart Kadian. Kadian had contended that the Centre, WFI, and the WFI ad hoc committee had failed to comply with the court’s August 16 order.
The court had earlier directed the ad hoc committee to conduct the selection trials for the Indian Senior Wrestling Team. The WFI’s attempt to hold its own trials was seen as a violation of the court’s order.
The WFI’s withdrawal of the circular ensures that the ad hoc committee will continue to hold the selection trials. This decision is expected to bring clarity and fairness to the selection process for the Indian Senior Wrestling Team.
