Narsingh Yadav elected president of WFI athlete panel

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected the Chairman of the Athletes Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on 24 April 2024. With Narsingh Yadav's election to this post, the process mandated by the world governing body of sports was completed.

Athlete Commission formed on the instructions of UWW:

• With the election of the Athletes Commission, the process mandated by the world governing body of sports was also completed.
• International sports body United World Wrestling (UWW), while lifting the suspension of WFI, had said that it would be mandatory for the Sanjay Singh-led national federation to set up an Athletes Commission to resolve the complaints of wrestlers.

Athletes Commission elects seven members:

• A total of eight contenders were in the race for the election of seven seats in the commission. After voting, seven members were elected.
• Apart from Narsingh Yadav, other members elected to the Athletes Commission are as follows:
  • Sahil (Delhi)
  • Smita A S (Kerala)
  • Bhartiya Bhaghei (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Khushboo S Pawar (Gujarat)
  • Nikki (Haryana)
  • Shweta Dubey (Bengal)
• After this, the newly elected members elected Narsingh for the post of Chairman of the Commission.

About Narsingh Pancham Yadav:

• Narsingh Yadav Before the 2016 Olympic Games, Indian team member Narsingh came into the limelight because Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar had requested a trial match against Narsingh Yadav. Whereas Sushil Kumar could not play in the qualification tournament due to injury.
• Sushil approached the Delhi High Court where after his appeal was rejected it was confirmed that Narsingh would go to Rio Olympics.
• But, Narsingh had failed two dope tests conducted before the Olympics, due to which the Court of Sports banned him for four years.
• However, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) had cleared him saying that Narsingh had come positive in the dope test as part of a conspiracy.
• The Sports Arbitration decision came just a day before Narsingh's opening match due to which he returned from Rio without playing. Narsingh's ban ended in July 2020.

About United World Wrestling (UWW):

• The UWW is the international governing body for wrestling. It monitors wrestling at the Olympics and World Championships.
• The headquarters of UWW is located in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.
• UWW was founded in 1912 under the name International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA). In the year 2014 its name was changed to United World Wrestling.
• UWW aims for global recognition as a top Olympic Federation. Its mission is to lead the development of wrestling around the world.

About Wrestling Federation of India (WFI):

• WFI governs wrestling in India. The headquarters of WFI is located in New Delhi.
• WFI is recognized by the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association.
• WFI organizes various national and international level wrestling competitions. These include Pro Wrestling League, National Wrestling Championship and Asian Championship.
• WFI also provides support and training to Indian wrestlers participating in the Olympic Games.