"Not Revoking WFI Suspension Would've Been Injustice To Wrestlers": Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Tuesday, emphasized that revoking Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)'s suspension was essential to allow Indian grapplers' participation in upcoming tournaments, failing which would have been an "injustice" to the athletes. The Ministry has lifted the suspension on the WFI, bringing an end to the months of uncertainty and paving the way for the resumption of activities, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman. "According to the High Court order, it was necessary to recognize WFI so that we can send our wrestlers for the Asian Championship and World Championship. Otherwise, it would have been an injustice to the future of our country's wrestlers," Mandaviya told reporters.

On December 24, 2023, the Ministry had suspended the WFI Executive Committee, which was elected on December 21, due to governance issues and procedural lapses.

The suspension was revoked after the findings of the Spot Verification Committee confirmed WFI's new office at West Vinod Nagar, Delhi, addressing media reports that suggested WFI was still operating from the residence of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

The Ministry also considered the "compliance measures undertaken by WFI," the Delhi High Court's concerns over the governance void in Indian wrestling, and the need to ensure India's wrestlers continue competing internationally without disruption..

The Ministry outlined several conditions for the revocation, including governance reforms, a transparent selection process, good governance practices, and athlete welfare.

"WFI must reverse all amendments made during its suspension and ensure checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks," the Ministry said in