WFI Suspension Lifted: A New Chapter for Indian Wrestling

By an order dated March 10, 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports lifted the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). It restored its recognition as the National Sports Federation.[1]

WFI’s suspension in December 2023 stemmed from violations of the National Sports Development Code and its Constitution. The Ministry cited the hasty announcement of the U-15 and U-20 national championships, the Secretary-General’s absence from the Executive Committee’s meeting, and the office’s running from the residence of former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as reasons for this decision.

Last year, the ad-hoc committee set up by the IOA to oversee and supervise WFI’s operations was dissolved after United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted the WFI suspension. However, the Delhi High Court in WP(C) 3164/2024 reinstated the committee’s mandate, only for it to remain unimplemented. This left the sport without a competent body to select the team and arrange for the wrestlers’ participation in the 2025 Asian Championships, as highlighted in LPA 1184/2024.

After conducting a review, including a spot check of WFI’s office to confirm its relocation from former WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s residence, the Ministry revoked the suspension. However, the Ministry has instructed WFI to reverse amendments made during the suspension period and ensure proper checks and balances in decision-making within four weeks. Additionally, any non-elected persons or suspended/terminated officials must disassociate from the Federation, and selection for international events must be conducted in a fair, transparent manner in line with the Sports Code and UWW regulations.

[1] The Ministry’s order was presented before the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in LPA 1184/2024.