Today (On 7th March): The Wrestling Federation of India has informed the Delhi High Court of its decision to retract the circular pertaining to the Olympics selection trials. The federation’s move follows a petition filed in court challenging the selection process outlined in the circular. This development suggests a potential reevaluation of the selection criteria for the Olympics.
NEW DELHI: Today( 7th March): The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) informed the Delhi High Court on Thursday of its intention to retract the circular urging wrestlers’ participation in selection trials for the Asian Olympic Qualifiers and the World Olympic Qualifiers.
Acknowledging the submission, Justice Sachin Datta directed that trials for the competitions proceed according to the circular issued by the ad-hoc committee appointed by the Central government to oversee the WFI’s affairs.
Representing the WFI, Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan stated that the federation would withdraw its circular while preserving its rights and contentions.
The petition expressed concerns that the simultaneous organization of two national championships could lead to confusion and inconsistencies among athletes, potentially resulting in multiple qualifiers for international governing bodies. Additionally, there are valid fears that Respondent No.2 (WFI), along with other parties, may try to interfere with the eligibility and authenticity of the petitioners as participating athletes, including manipulation of anti-doping tests.
“The ad-hoc committee will ensure that all eligible athletes can participate in the trials,” the Court emphasized.
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Background
The petition was filed by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satywart Kadian contesting the WFI circular.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the wrestlers, argued that the WFI circular lacked authority to conduct the trials.
Notably, these wrestlers were prominent figures in the protest against former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Following Singh’s resignation, Sanjay Singh, believed to be aligned with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, assumed office.
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Punia and others assert that
“the WFI, suspended by the Union Ministry of Sports, lacks the authority to invite wrestlers for trials”
The petition contends that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) constituted an ad-hoc committee to manage WFI affairs, yet the WFI, despite being aware of its illegal status, issued the notice for selection trials.
“It is argued that unless Respondent No.2 (WFI) is specifically prohibited from conducting such events or issuing circulars, it will continue to mislead, manipulate, influence, threaten, and create unnecessary adversities for wrestling athletes,” the petition stated.
Furthermore, the petition highlights the ad-hoc committee’s issuance of trial dates, coinciding with those issued by the WFI.
The Court scheduled a hearing for April 26.
Case Title: Bajrang Punia & Ors v Union of India & Ors
