March 11,2025: In a major development for Indian wrestling, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has had its suspension lifted by the Union Sports Ministry, with the newly elected president, Sanjay Singh, expressing his gratitude towards the central government. The ban, which was imposed due to allegations of sexual harassment and the federation’s failure to hold timely elections, was revoked, marking a new chapter for Indian wrestling.
Sanjay Singh, who took over as WFI president in late December 2023, was quick to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for their support in resolving the issue. Singh said, “This is a very happy moment for the wrestling federation. I want to thank PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for removing the suspension on WFI for the betterment of the country.”
The suspension had caused significant disruptions within the wrestling community, particularly affecting camps and events that are vital for the development of young wrestlers. Singh emphasized the importance of these programs, saying that the camps were essential for talent development, as they provided opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds, especially from economically disadvantaged sections, to learn techniques and share knowledge with others in their states.
With the suspension lifted, Singh revealed that WFI plans to launch wrestling leagues by November-December 2024. These leagues will be a game-changer for Indian wrestlers, offering them valuable exposure through interactions with foreign talent. Singh said, “Leagues will benefit the athletes a lot. They used to gain exposure by interacting with foreign talent.”
The journey to this point has been turbulent for the WFI. In 2023, several top wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, led protests against the WFI and its then-president, Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual assault. These protests and the subsequent accusations led to a ban from United World Wrestling (UWW) in August 2023, as the WFI failed to conduct elections within the required timeframe. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had to step in by setting up an ad-hoc committee to manage the federation’s day-to-day operations.
In December 2023, the elections were finally held, and Sanjay Singh was elected as the new president of the WFI. However, his election was met with resistance from the protesting wrestlers, who claimed that Singh was closely associated with the former president, Brij Bhushan. Shortly after the elections, the Ministry once again suspended the federation after Singh announced plans to host the U-15 and U-20 Nationals in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
As a result, the IOA once again appointed an ad-hoc committee to oversee the functioning of the federation. But in a turn of events, the ad-hoc committee was dissolved in March 2024, following the lifting of the ban by UWW and the successful completion of selection trials for upcoming competitions. With the suspension officially lifted, the WFI is now back on track, and Singh is focused on reviving Indian wrestling with fresh energy and new initiatives.
As a promising future lies ahead for Indian wrestling, Singh’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in ushering in a new era of growth and success for the sport in the country.