MYAS declares the WFI elections as 'void' after analyzing OC's findings

The Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) planned elections, set for May 7, 2023, have been declared “null and void,” according to a Monday announcement from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). The election for the Executive Committee (EC) was initially scheduled for May 7, per media sources and an official notice on the WFI website. However, MYAS has decided that the electoral process should be regarded as ineffectual given the current situation, and new EC elections should be held under the supervision of a neutral authority or Returning Officer. In response, MYAS has asked the International Olympic Association (IOA) to set up an interim committee and urged for the cancellation of the upcoming WFI elections.  

Formation of a committee to look into WFI operations

Within 45 days of the committee’s formation, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to organize a temporary or ad-hoc committee to supervise the WFI’s Executive Committee election. Additionally, the committee will oversee the operations of the Wrestling Federation of India until the newly elected EC takes up its duties. This includes the selection of athletes as well as the filing of entries for international athletic competitions. Since wrestling is an Olympic sport and the WFI is an IOA affiliate member, the IOA must adopt suitable interim arrangements to administer the WFI. This will guarantee that wrestlers don’t experience any obstacles while this administrative gap is in effect.

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What did the Oversight Committee find during its investigation?

The findings of the Oversight Committee (OC) were also noted in the letter from MYAS. The preliminary analysis of the committee’s report identified several critical issues, including the following – the absence of a properly functioning Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act of 2013, as well as an inadequate mechanism for informing athletes and resolving complaints, the necessity of increased transparency and collaboration between the federation and its stakeholders, including athletes; and the need for more effective communication between the federation and its athletes. Following the report’s submission, the Oversight Committee was dissolved.

The release of the statement by MYAS after wrestlers resumed the protest

The MYAS released this statement after Indian wrestlers joined together and resumed their sit-in at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to call for justice. The protest in Delhi is being led by some of India’s top professional wrestlers, such as Olympic medalists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, as well as two-time World Championships medalist Vinesh Phogat. The wrestlers demand that the WFI president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, as well as the authorities and coaches who have been accused of sexual assault and harassment, be held accountable. The wrestlers claim that because the Oversight Committee and Sports Ministry did not respond to their inquiries, they turned back to their previous course of action. The wrestlers have also announced that they expect justice from the Supreme Court.

Read More-Bajrang, Vinesh, Sakshi, and other wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar