The Sports Ministry announced the suspension of newly elected president, Sanjay Singh citing utter disrespect for existing laws and regulations. The suspension came just days after several purported BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh supporters were elected to the governing council.
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Who is Sanjay Singh?
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) announced on Thursday that Sanjay Singh would be its next president. Following repeated postponements earlier this year, the WFI elections was held on Thursday.
Brij Bhushan Singh presided over the WFI before Sanjay Singh. Bhushan was charged with sexually harassing female wrestlers. He, on the other hand, denies all charges. Many wrestlers then staged a demonstration against Brij Bhushan Singh, calling for his resignation.
Sanjay Singh, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is from Varanasi. He is Brij Bhushan’s close associate. He was previously a member of the WFI’s executive council. He has also been the national federation’s joint secretary since 2019, according to news agency PTI. In addition, he serves as Vice President of the Uttar Pradesh Wrestling Association.
Why is he suspended?
The Central government said on Sunday that it had shown “blatant disregard” for procedural procedures and the body’s constitution while announcing the Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling national competitions.
The suspension came just days after numerous reported followers of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh were elected to the governing body, including WFI chief Sanjay Singh.
Why was there a need for re-elections?
Earlier this year, several top wrestlers including Olympic medalist, Bajrang Punia joined a major demonstration calling for the removal of then-WFI chairman Brij Bhushan, who was accused of sexual harassment of female wrestlers. The BJP MP was forced to resign and is now facing charges concerning the claims.
Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia applauded the Sports Ministry’s move on Sunday to suspend the newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India governing board. As a protest, Bajrang put his Padma Shri award on the Kartavya Path pavement in New Delhi.
Fate of Junior Women Wrestlers
The junior nationals will begin on the 28th, and the new wrestling federation has agreed to host them in Nandani Nagar, Gonda. It is a concerning issue as Brijbhushan’s area is Gonda.
Now Imagine under what conditions the junior women wrestlers will compete.
