The prestigious Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been through a tumultuous period, marked by suspension and protests. However, with Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla’s inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship in Kota, the federation seems to be on the path to recovery. WFI president, Sanjay Singh, was also present at the event, which highlights the growing support for the organization. In his speech, Om Birla emphasized the importance of sports in shaping the nation’s youth. He stated, “The National Wrestling Championship has started. I want to congratulate all the wrestlers. India has been winning medals internationally and I hope it wins more because the game and the athlete are disciplined, patriotic and in life, through sports, players become stronger mentally and physically. In the coming times, the youth will take inspiration from Kota and participate in all kinds of sports. Wrestling is a sport played on our soil. This sport has been popular in various villages.”
The National Wrestling Championship marks a significant milestone for the WFI, which has been struggling to regain its footing after being suspended by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The suspension was a result of the federation’s newly elected president, Sanjay, announcing plans to hold the U-15 and U-20 national championships in Nandini Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, in December 2023. Top Indian wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, have led protests against the WFI and its former president, Brij Bhushan Singh, accusing him of sexual assault. The protests led to the United World Wrestling (UWW) banning the WFI for failing to hold elections within the required time frame. However, the WFI has managed to overcome this setback. Sanjay Kumar Singh, the newly elected president, has been elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia, securing an impressive 22 votes out of 38. This significant achievement marks a major boost for Indian wrestling and further strengthens the country’s presence on the international wrestling stage. The WFI has been working towards regaining its recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling. The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports lifted the suspension on the WFI after its recognition as an NSF was restored. The recent elections in the WFI saw Sanjay Kumar Singh being elected as the president. However, the wrestlers protested against his election, claiming that he was an associate of Brij Bhushan Singh. Despite this, the WFI seems to be on the path to recovery, with the inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| WFI President Sanjay Singh | Present at the National Wrestling Championship |
| Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla | Inaugurated the National Wrestling Championship |
| Indian Wrestlers | Protested against WFI and its former president Brij Bhushan Singh |
| WFI Recognition | Lifted by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
In recent times, India has concluded the Asian Wrestling Championships with a total of 10 medals, including a gold, three silver, and six bronze medals. The competition was held from March 25 to 30. Sanjay Kumar Singh’s election as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia has marked a significant achievement for Indian wrestling. His election secured 22 votes out of 38, demonstrating strong support from the Asian wrestling community. The WFI has also announced plans to hold the U-15 and U-20 national championships in Nandini Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, in December 2023.
- Wrestling is a popular sport in various villages across India.
- Sanjay Kumar Singh secured 22 votes out of 38 as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia.
- India has concluded the Asian Wrestling Championships with a total of 10 medals.
The inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship marks a significant milestone for the WFI. The federation is working towards regaining its recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling. In conclusion, the WFI seems to be on the path to recovery, with the inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship and the election of Sanjay Kumar Singh as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia.
“Wrestling is a sport played on our soil. This sport has been popular in various villages.” – Om Birla
Indian wrestling has made significant progress in recent years, with top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia leading the charge.
Sanjay Kumar Singh’s election as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia marks a significant achievement for Indian wrestling.
The WFI is working towards regaining its recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling. The inauguration of the National Wrestling Championship marks a significant milestone for the WFI. Indian wrestling has made significant progress in recent years, with top wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia leading the charge.