WFI’s Shadow Looms Over Olympic Dreams
In a dramatic turn of events, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, fresh from her disqualification at the Paris Olympics, has accused the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its president, Sanjay Singh, of wielding undue influence over her fate from the Olympic Village itself. Phogat’s counsel, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, argued before the Delhi High Court that this alleged interference occurred despite the WFI’s elected executive committee being suspended since December 2023.
Legal Battle Rages On
Phogat, along with other prominent wrestlers like Bajrang Punia, had previously petitioned the Delhi High Court, seeking to invalidate the December 2023 WFI elections. They contended that the elections were conducted illegally, flouting the sports code. The court reserved its judgment on their application for a stay on WFI’s operations on May 24th, but the verdict remains pending.
Urgent Plea for Justice
On Thursday, the petitioners implored Justice Sachin Datta to expedite the pronouncement of the verdict. Mehra, representing the wrestlers, lamented that “India has lost a gold medal now,” underscoring the urgency of the situation. Justice Datta, who is currently part of a division bench, assured that he would convene a single-judge bench to deliver the verdict, though he did not specify a date.
WFI’s Controversial Leadership
During the hearing of the writ petition before Justice Purushaindra Kaurav, Mehra alleged that the WFI is “being manned by proxies.” He further claimed that Sanjay Singh, the WFI president, was present at the Olympic Village, actively influencing decisions regarding Vinesh Phogat’s future. The Centre’s standing counsel, Anil Soni, refrained from contesting Phogat’s claims, stating that “today the entire nation is with (Phogat), I’ll not argue against her.”
Call for Swift Resolution
Justice Kaurav directed the respondents to submit their pleadings within a week and granted the wrestlers time to file a response if they so desired. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 12th. However, Mehra stressed the urgency of the situation, requesting an earlier date and emphasizing that it is a “national interest matter” that has deeply upset the entire country.
WFI’s Troubled Past
The controversy surrounding the WFI is not new. Following the WFI elections last year, former BJP MP and Brij Bhushan Singh, who faced sexual harassment allegations from wrestlers, was compelled to step down as the body’s president. Subsequently, the Union sports ministry suspended the newly elected executive committee led by Bhushan’s close associate, Sanjay Singh. In response, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed an ad-hoc committee on December 27, 2023, to oversee WFI’s operations, including athlete selection and participation in international events.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal battle and the recent allegations against the WFI president have cast a shadow over Indian wrestling. The wrestlers’ plea for a swift resolution highlights the urgent need to address the issues plaguing the sport’s governing body. The nation awaits the court’s verdict, hoping for a just and fair outcome that will restore the integrity of Indian wrestling and safeguard the interests of its athletes.
Summary
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused the WFI and its president of influencing her fate at the Olympics despite the federation’s suspension. The ongoing legal battle over the WFI elections highlights the urgent need to address the issues plaguing Indian wrestling.
Key Learning Points:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| WFI Controversy | The WFI and its president are accused of interfering in wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey. |
| Legal Battle | Wrestlers are challenging the legality of the WFI elections and seeking a stay on its operations. |
| Urgent Plea | The wrestlers are requesting a swift resolution to the legal battle, emphasizing its national importance. |
| WFI’s Troubled Past | The WFI has been embroiled in controversy, leading to the suspension of its elected executive committee. |
| Call for Justice | The nation awaits the court’s verdict, hoping for a fair outcome that will restore the integrity of Indian wrestling. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
