Following the suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by the sports ministry, a chorus of voices from Haryana’s wrestling community, coaches, and local councils, known as khaps, have united in urging the government to extend the suspension to state wrestling bodies.
Notable athletes like Somveer Kadian, a Commonwealth medalist, emphasize that while the WFI’s suspension is a positive step, it’s crucial for fairness that the government extends this action to all state federations. Kadian raised concerns about the influence of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and his allies, asserting their control in both national and state wrestling bodies. He urged the government to act, questioning their inaction when Singh’s close confidant, Sanjay Singh, was elected as president.
Geeta Phogat, a Commonwealth gold medalist and Olympian, expressed optimism after the WFI’s suspension, highlighting renewed hope for justice among wrestlers.
Satywan Kadian, Sakshi Malik’s father-in-law and a former wrestler, stressed the importance of women’s representation in the reformed body. He criticized the previous administration’s decisions and welcomed the government’s move, seeing it as a potential opportunity for fairness, especially for female wrestlers.
Mahavir Singh, a Dronacharya awardee, urged the government to extend its oversight to other sports federations. Singh highlighted the need to dismantle Brij Bhushan’s influence in wrestling and address concerns raised by female wrestlers, calling out autocratic practices within the federation.
Balwant Nambardar, the president of Phogat Khap, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a wrestler to be appointed as WFI president and advocating for female representation within the federation’s panel. The khap held a meeting to discuss the matter, aligning with the call for increased transparency and inclusivity within the governing body of wrestling in India.
