On Thursday, August 24, the Union World Wrestling (UWW) suspended the World Federation of India (WFI) membership. The membership was suspended due to its failure to conduct elections. The elections were scheduled to be conducted in June but were postponed.
The WFI was also not working efficiently, in addition to the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This was also one reason why the WFI could not hold the elections.
World Federation of India membership suspended:
According to news reports, UWW suspended WFI three times. The most recent suspension was not the first; UWW has already suspended WFI for various reasons in January and May.
One of the causes is the continuous protests against WFI’s president. He has been accused of sexually harassing female wrestlers.
Hence, WFI was forced to postpone the elections due to the protests and several state petitions. The United World Wrestling had earlier warned the WFI that the federation would be suspended if the elections were not held.
Following their previous inability to hold elections, the UWW set a 45-day deadline. Furthermore, the United World Wrestling issued this warning on April 28. Regardless, WFI’s membership was suspended after it failed to satisfy the UWW’s deadline.
Later, the Elections for 15 posts in the Wrestling Federation of India were scheduled on August 12. On August 21, four people filed nominations for the position of president.
The WFI’s day-to-day operations are managed by an ad hoc committee led by Bhupender Singh Bajwa. When WFI could not operate effectively, an ad hoc committee was formed to oversee WFI’s daily operations. Despite its best efforts, the ad hoc committee could not hold the elections. WFI was suspended after experiencing repeated delays.
How it is effective:
With the WFI’s membership suspended, Indian wrestlers would be unable to compete in the World Champions as Indian Representatives. They have no choice but to compete as neutral athletes at the World Champions. This will begin on September 16.
However, the suspension of membership is indefinite, and it is unknown how long WFI is suspended.
More details awaited…
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