The global wrestling governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) on 24 August 2023 has provisionally suspended the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with immediate effect for not conducting elections on time.

The suspension means that Indian wrestlers won’t be able to compete under the national flag at the upcoming World Wrestling Championships 2023, scheduled in Belgrade, Serbia, from September 16 to 24. They will compete in the event as ‘neutral athletes’.

However the Indian wrestlers will participate under their national flag at the Asian Games 2023 to be held in September-October in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China, as the entries for the continental meet were sent by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and not the WFI.

Background to the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India -WFI

In January 2023 a group of wrestlers led by Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia protested against the then WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan. They accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual exploitation and intimidation and demanded his removal from the post and conducting fresh elections in the WFI.

On April 27, an ad-hoc committee headed by Bhupender Singh Bajwa was constituted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It took over the responsibility of conducting Indian wrestling’s day-to-day operations in the WFI’s. It was directed to conduct fresh elections for the federation within 45 days.

In June, the UWW had urged the IOA ad-hoc committee to respect the deadline. And warned that “Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag,”

However, due to legal challenges from several state bodies seeking the right to participate in the polls, the elections had to be deferred several times.

Under the terms of the suspension, Indian wrestlers and their support personnel remain authorised to participate in all UWW-sanctioned events but they will do so under the UWW flag.

However, all other members of the federation will not be authorised to attend any UWW event until further notice.

United World Wrestling

It is the international governing body of amateur wrestling in the world . It was earlier known as the FILA ( Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées) or International Federation of Amateur Wrestling.

Headquarters : Corsier-sur-Vevey,Switzerland

President : Nenad Lalović

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UWW - United World Wrestling

WFI - Wrestling Federation of India