The United Wrestling World federation suspended the Wrestling Federation of India for an indefinite period owing to untimely elections.
Back in May the federation warned the WFI about the suspension while condemning the treatment of the protesting wrestlers.
“Finally, UWW will request further information about the next elective general assembly from the IOA and the Ad-hoc Committee of the WFI. The 45-day deadline that was initially set to hold this elective assembly shall be respected. Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year.” read the statement from may 30 2023.
The wrestling federation had to postpone the elections several times due to protests by wrestlers and legal petitions by several state units.
Owing to which Indian wrestlers cannot compete under the countries flag at the upcoming Olympic qualifying championships.
They can still compete as ‘neutral athletes’ under UWW flag.
If an athlete wins a gold medal at the championship the National Anthem will not be played.
An ad-hoc body headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa is running the federation.
Since January this year the country’s leading wrestlers started a protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
That has since resulted in six female wrestlers filing FIRs of sexual harassment against him.
