Prominent Indian wrestlers, led by Bajrang Punia, have appealed to the Delhi High Court for an independent administrator to oversee the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) amid concerns over fair governance and selection trials. This follows allegations against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. The court’s ruling on December 12 will be crucial for the sport’s integrity.
New Delhi: In a new move for oversight in India’s wrestling administration, prominent wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, have petitioned the Delhi High Court to appoint an independent administrator to manage the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This request seeks accountability in how selection trials are conducted and is aimed at ensuring fair governance within the WFI.
This appeal follows the court’s August directive, which required the reconstitution of an ad hoc committee under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This committee was initially established to supervise the WFI’s operations, including organizing selection trials.
The directive came after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) suspended the WFI’s newly elected executive committee amid allegations of sexual harassment against its former chief, Brij Bhushan Singh. Despite this, the IOA informed the court in October that it had decided “not to make any ad hoc committee” to oversee the WFI, a stance that has fueled the wrestlers’ concerns.
Wrestlers Claim Disregard for Court Orders
In their application, the wrestlers argued that the IOA’s refusal to implement an ad hoc committee directly contradicts the “unambiguous directives” of the Delhi High Court. They allege that this “flagrant disobedience” of the court’s orders has not only obstructed justice but has also caused significant harm to Indian wrestling. The wrestlers contend that the lack of an independent oversight committee hinders fair trial processes, compromises the integrity of the sport, and creates a disadvantage for athletes representing India.
Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the wrestlers, voiced the grievances of his clients in court.
“The proxy president [of WFI] is violating norms… selection trials are happening at the cost of wrestlers,”
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Mehra submitted. He also pointed out that despite the ad hoc committee’s formation, the IOA’s unwillingness to assume control has left the federation’s governance in disarray.
Justice Prateek Jalan has now issued a notice on this new application, asking for a response from the involved parties. The case will next be heard on December 12.
IOA’s Stand: Protecting the Autonomy of the WFI
The IOA, through an affidavit submitted on October 3, explained its decision against forming an ad hoc committee for the WFI. According to the IOA, it wishes to respect the autonomy of the WFI and avoid interference in the wrestling body’s internal operations. The national Olympic association’s stance has created tension with the wrestlers, who argue that the lack of independent oversight risks partiality and undermines the rights of athletes to participate in fair selection trials.
Controversy Over Selection Trials and Unauthorized Events
The wrestlers further allege that the WFI conducted an unauthorized talent search event, defying the court’s previous orders. This event allegedly resulted in the selection of players who went on to represent India at the U-23 World Championship in Albania from October 21-27. The petitioners maintain that the court had
“clearly ordered that all the selections to the international competitions should be undertaken by the ad hoc committee”
via the WFI under the supervision of the IOA.
According to the wrestlers, this unauthorized selection process jeopardizes athletes’ career opportunities by allowing the federation’s administrators to make arbitrary choices rather than following a transparent, merit-based process. This, they argue, not only impacts those who were selected but also sidelines deserving wrestlers who would have had an equal chance under an impartial system.
Wrestlers Push for Transparency in Governance
The wrestlers’ call for an independent administrator is a push for transparency in India’s wrestling governance, particularly amid concerns of favoritism and procedural violations. The stakes are high, as the absence of a neutral body leaves open the possibility for conflicts of interest, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding the WFI.
With the next hearing scheduled for December 12, all eyes will be on the Delhi High Court to see if it will mandate the IOA or another body to assume responsibility for fair and just oversight. The wrestlers are hopeful that these proceedings will secure a management structure within the WFI that upholds fair competition and aligns with the court’s earlier orders.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling on this matter will likely have significant implications for Indian wrestling, ensuring that the voices of wrestlers are acknowledged, their rights protected, and their participation in selection trials safeguarded. As they strive to compete on the international stage, these athletes are advocating not only for themselves but also for the integrity of Indian sports.
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