New Delhi: In a shocking development, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has admitted that its operations are still being conducted from the residence of tainted ex-chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Brij Bhushan is currently facing a sexual harassment trial after being accused of molesting and sexually harassing multiple women wrestlers during his reign as the WFI president.
Despite the ongoing trial against Brij Bhushan, WFI, which was suspended by the Sports Ministry in December 2023, has surprisingly continued to function from the residence of its former chief. The Wrestling Federation of India is operating from the home of its ex-chief and five-time BJP MP Brij Bhushan’s home at 21, Ashoka Road in New Delhi.
As per a report in PTI, the WFI admitted to running its operations from Brij Bhushan’s residence but said it was a temporary arrangement and that they are ready to shift their base to their new office in Connaught Place, New Delhi by February this year.
“We operated from a small Hari Nagar office and were looking for a better place but the uncertainty due to the government suspension delayed shifting to a full-fledged office,” a source in WFI was quoted as saying by PTI.
“On Basant Panchami, we will move to the new office in CP. All this confusion is due to suspension. Hopefully, it will be lifted, and we will be able to work freely,” added the source.
UWW threatens to suspend WFI once again
While the WFI remains suspended by the Indian Sports Ministry, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body of world wrestling has also threatened to suspend WFI once again citing political interference in the day-to-day affairs of the Indian federation. UWW chief Nenad Lalovic in a letter to the WFI retaliated that suspension measures will be considered if the autonomy of the wrestling body is compromised.
In his letter to current WFI chief Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan, Lalovic said that the UWW considers WFI as the only interlocutor in any matter related to wrestling in India and its athletes representing the country at the international level. He also made it clear that it will not accept any interference by the public or political authorities in the day-to-day affairs of the organisation.
UWW had suspended WFI in August 2023 for failing to conduct its election in due time. The suspension was lifted in February last year. A suspension from UWW would bar Indian wrestlers from participating in any international wrestling tournaments and events.
The Wrestling Federation of India has admitted to be still operating from tainted ex-chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s residence but has assured that it will shift to a new office in New Delhi soon. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
