India’s Wrestling Federation may now relax since UWW has lifted its suspension

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has been reinstated by the International Wrestling Federation (UWW). Following their meeting on February 9, the UWW bureau made the decision.

After the elections were postponed due to the continued protests by wrestlers and the ensuing legal actions, the UWW placed the Indian organization under temporary suspension in August of last year.

“The Wrestling Federation of India has been released from suspension by United World Wrestling, effective immediately. On August 23, of last year, UWW temporarily suspended the WFI since the Indian organization had not called an election in a timely manner. The UWW stated in a statement that the UWW Disciplinary Chamber determined it had adequate justification to place the body under a temporary suspension since the federation’s circumstances had persisted for at least six months.

The UWW has said that the recognition is subject to certain requirements, including the WFI holding elections for its Athletes’ Commission and receiving a formal assurance that the wrestlers who participated in the protest would not be singled out.

“The WFI must call another meeting to reconvene the Athletes’ Commission elections. Candidates for this commission must be current athletes or have only been out of the game for four years. Only athletes will be eligible to vote. The letter further said that these elections must occur by July 1, 2024, at the latest, during trials or any senior national championships where this procedure is permitted.

“The WFI must provide UWW formal assurances right once that all wrestlers will be given equal consideration for participation in all WFI events, including trials for the Olympic Games and other significant national and international competitions. The three athletes who demonstrated against the previous President’s alleged wrongdoings are included in this non-discrimination. UWW will follow up with the wrestlers in the next days and is still in contact with them, the statement said.

This is a positive step for the WFI, since they had previously described the suspension as an outright assault on their independence. The country’s wrestlers will now be able to participate under the Indian flag according to the UWW’s decision.

Sanjay Singh, the newly elected president of WFI, expressed his delight at the event and promised that the UWW will soon get all of its demands.

I want to start by saying that we support every wrestler. Singh told The Tribune that “those who protested will also be welcomed for the trials and other meets.”

“We’re about to have an election for the Athletes’ Commission. We will comply with all requirements set down by the UWW, and it could occur during the trials,” he said.