WFI to contest HC order over IOA's ad-hoc committee reinstatement
What's the story
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has expressed its intention to challenge a recent Delhi High Court order.
This ruling reinstated the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc committee's authority over the federation's operations.
The WFI voiced concerns that this 'interference' could potentially jeopardize Indian wrestlers' participation in the upcoming World Championships.
Legal action
Wrestlers' plea prompts HC order
The High Court's decision was a response to an appeal by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.
These athletes had requested a halt to the WFI's activities as the national federation for wrestling.
In his interim order, Justice Sachin Datta allowed the IOA to reestablish the committee previously headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa.
Future steps
WFI plans to approach UWW and IOC
Sanjay Singh, President of the WFI, stated that they plan to appeal before a double bench.
He also revealed their intention to reach out to the world governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Singh expressed fears about potential repercussions on Indian athletes due to external interference.
International concern
UWW president's warning to WFI
UWW President Nenad Lalovic had previously warned the WFI about potential consequences of an ad-hoc panel managing the federation's affairs.
In a letter dated April 25, Lalovic stated that if any decision or order was made against their federation, and a third party was appointed to run daily operations in violation of UWW Statutes, UWW might have no choice but to temporarily suspend their federation again.
Past events
WFI's suspension and reinstatement: A timeline
The Centre had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023, for allegedly not adhering to its own constitution while making decisions.
This led to a request for the IOA to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee its operations.
However, following elections conducted by the WFI, United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted this suspension on February 13, 2023.