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WFI suspended for delaying elections, Indian wrestlers won't play under India flag at World Championships

Aug 24, 2023 12:20 PM IST

The Indian wrestlers will have to compete as 'neutral athletes' at the Olympic-qualifying World Championships starting September 16.

United World Wrestling (UWW), the world governing body for wrestling, on Thursday decided to suspend the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its failure to hold its elections on time.

The protest towards Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the effect it had has led to the decision.(Jitender Gupta )
The protest towards Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the effect it had has led to the decision.(Jitender Gupta )

The decision acts as a massive setback for the sport in the country, with India's wrestlers now facing the prospect of competing under a neutral flag.

The WFI has been embroiled in controversy for the last few months over allegations of sexual harassment against its former chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and the lengthy protests by the cream of India's top wrestlers.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had, in April, appointed an ad hoc committee to run the affairs of the wrestling federation, with a directive to hold fresh elections in 45 days, which has since been delayed several times.

Taking note of the situation in India "with great concern", the UWW had, in a statement in May, warned about the possibility of suspension if the 45-day deadline for elections was not respected.

"Failing to do so may lead UWW to suspend the federation, thereby forcing the athletes to compete under a neutral flag. It is reminded that UWW already took a measure in this situation by reallocating the Asian Championship planned in New Delhi earlier this year," the UWW said in its May statement.

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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