The ministry said that the ministry’s “hurried” announcements of national competitions had breached the WFI’s constitution, which is why action was taken against it.
The move has also been prompted by alleged concerns with openness.
Why is this story important?
In 2023, a number of wrestlers, including Olympic medallists Sakshee Malikkh and Bajrang Punia, staged a five-month-long protest against Brij Bhushan on the grounds that he had harassed female wrestlers sexually.
They were deeply disappointed by Singh’s election as WFI president, and Malikkh announced her retirement in protest.
Punia resigned his Padma Shri award on Friday in opposition to Singh’s selection to the position.
Singh declared that citizens were not adhering to WFI guidelines: Ministry
This government took action after Singh declared on Thursday that national wrestling competitions for under-15 and under-20 would take place in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, before the end of 2023.
According to a ministry source, Singh’s decision went against “due procedure,” as wrestlers were not given enough time to prepare, and he did not notify the Executive Committee (EC).
The WFI constitution’s Article XI, which requires a 15-day notice period for EC meetings and a quorum of one-third of delegates, was also mentioned by them.
The action was taken days after prominent wrestlers objected to Singh’s appointment.
This occurs a few days after prominent wrestlers, including as Punia and Malikkh, objected to Singh’s selection as WFI president.
Last week, Singh defeated Commonwealth Games gold medallist Anita Sheoran in the wrestling body president election.
A number of prominent wrestlers who had previously complained against Brij Bhushan for allegedly harassing female wrestlers sexually were said to have supported Sheoran.
WFI elections postponed following a court order
WFI elections were originally scheduled for June and then August, but they were postponed because of a decision from the Punjab and Haryana High Court that extended the stay until September 25.
When the polls were ultimately held in New Delhi on Thursday, Singh defeated Sheoran with 40 out of 47 votes.
In addition to holding multiple WFI positions, he previously held the position of vice president for the Uttar Pradesh wrestling association.
Protesters against Singh’s election included wrestlers
Pro wrestlers including Punia, Malikkh, and Vinesh Phogat addressed a press conference after Singh was elected.
Protesting, Malikkh announced her withdrawal from wrestling, calling Singh a “close aide and business partner” of Brij Bhushan.
Punia attempted to go to the New Delhi house of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, but he was halted at Kartavya Path, where he left his Padma Shri medallion on a sidewalk.